Voting for the first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections is currently taking place, with 43 out of the state’s 81 seats up for grabs. Polling began at 7:00 AM across 15 districts and will continue until 5:00 PM today. This phase is crucial as it will determine the political landscape for the state’s legislative body.
Key Contestants and Political Dynamics
The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has fielded 23 candidates, with its allies Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) nominating 17 and 5 candidates respectively. In contrast, the main opposition party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has put forward 36 candidates. Other parties, including the Janata Dal United (JDU) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), are also participating, with 2 and 7 candidates respectively.
By-Elections Across India
In addition to the Jharkhand polls, by-elections are being held today for 31 assembly seats across 10 states, as well as the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. Notably, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is contesting in the Wayanad bypoll, marking her electoral debut. The results for these elections will be declared on November 23.
Voter Turnout and Participation
In the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, former Chief Minister and prominent BJP leader Champai Soren cast his vote, expressing confidence in the party's success. The primary contest in this phase is between Champai Soren of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Ganesh Mahli of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Soren conveyed his optimism, stating, “The BJP and allies are set to secure all 14 seats in the Kolhan region, without any doubt.”
Voter Turnout Reaches 29.31% by 11 AM
According to the Election Commission of India, voter turnout across Jharkhand’s 43 constituencies stood at 29.31% as of 11 AM on Wednesday. This promising turnout reflects the enthusiasm among voters in these early hours, showcasing their engagement in this crucial election.
BJP’s Ambitions in Kolhan Region
The BJP’s campaign strategy has emphasized a stronghold in the Kolhan region, where Soren is confident of sweeping all 14 seats. His remarks underscore the BJP's high expectations for dominance in the area. Soren’s stance reflects the BJP's mission to retain and expand its influence in Jharkhand amidst fierce competition from the JMM.
Khunti Leads with Highest Turnout
Among the districts, Khunti recorded the highest voter participation at 34.12%. Other districts showing strong turnout include Gumla (33.86%), Lohardaga (33.44%), and Simdega (33.18%). These districts are closely followed by Seraikella-Kharsawan, which saw 32.65%, and Koderma, with a 31.10% turnout. Latehar and Garhwa districts also reported over 30% participation, with 30.59% and 30.38%, respectively.
Lower Turnouts in Some Districts
On the other hand, some areas witnessed lower voter engagement. Ranchi, the state capital, had a turnout of just 24.75%. Ramgarh also reported a relatively low 24.17%, while other districts like Palamu (28.36%) and East Singhbhum (28.34%) saw modest participation.
Political Controversy: BJP Bag Found at Polling Booth
The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party has raised concerns over a BJP-branded bag found near a polling official inside a polling booth. Taking to social media, the JMM urged the Election Commission of India to take immediate action, stating: “Please take cognizance.”
Maoist-Affected Areas See Heavy Security During Voting
Voting in Maoist-affected regions of Jharkhand, such as Jambro, Regabeda, Komai, Gilua, Siyadih, and Taramba, is progressing under tight security. Despite the challenges posed by these areas, the Election Commission has ensured that polling stations remain secured to facilitate a smooth voting process.
Wayanad Bypolls: 34% Turnout by 12:30 PM
In Kerala, the Wayanad Lok Sabha and Chelakkara Assembly constituencies have witnessed a brisk pace of voting. As of 12:30 PM, Wayanad reported a voter turnout of 34.38%, while Chelakkara saw a slightly higher 36.08%. Voting is continuing actively in both constituencies as candidates seek a strong mandate in these key regions.
With voting still underway in Jharkhand and Kerala, authorities are focused on maintaining order and ensuring the electoral process remains transparent and efficient.
In a dramatic turn of events at a polling booth in Rajasthan's Deoli-Uniara constituency, Independent candidate Naresh Meena allegedly slapped an official, sparking tension during the ongoing by-election. Meena, who is contesting the seat as an Independent, accused the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of being involved in a discrepancy related to the vote counting process.
The incident, which was captured on video and shared on social media platform X, quickly garnered attention. In his statement, Meena claimed that the SDM was manipulating the voting procedure to favour certain candidates, a charge that has yet to be verified by election authorities.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy surrounding Meena's candidacy began earlier this month when the Congress party suspended him over a dispute about their nomination process for the by-poll. Meena had sought the Congress ticket to contest the Deoli-Uniara seat, but the party decided to field Kastor Chand Meena instead. In response, Naresh Meena declared his intention to contest as an Independent, gaining support from the Bharat Adivasi Party.
The altercation at the polling booth further escalated the already tense political atmosphere in the region.
Voter Turnout in Other States
In the Bihar by-polls, a total voter turnout of 34.77% was recorded by 1 PM in the four assembly constituencies of Tarari, Imamganj, Belaganj, and Ramgarh. Of these, Imamganj had the highest turnout at 38.17%, while Tarari saw the lowest with 30.9%. All these seats had fallen vacant after the elected MLAs from these constituencies were chosen in the last Lok Sabha elections.
Madhya Pradesh By-Polls: 54% Turnout in Vijaypur
The Madhya Pradesh by-elections are also seeing active voter participation. By 1 PM, the Vijaypur seat in Sheopur district had recorded a 54.86% voter turnout, while Budhni in Sehore district had a slightly lower turnout of 51.16%.
Jharkhand Assembly Elections: 46% Turnout
In Jharkhand, the first phase of the assembly elections saw a voter turnout of 46.25% by 1 PM. Gumla district led the state with a turnout of 52.11%, while the capital city Ranchi recorded a lower turnout of 40.98%. Other districts like Lohardaga and Khunti also saw strong participation, with turnouts above 50%.
These by-elections are taking place amidst heightened political activity in the regions, with each state witnessing significant voter engagement as crucial seats are being contested.
Stay tuned for more live updates on the Jharkhand Assembly polls as voting continues across the state.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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