This year’s voter turnout hit a record-breaking 67.74%, the highest since the state was formed in 2000. Elaborate arrangements have been made at all counting centers, with observers deployed for every assembly constituency. “Preparations are on for the counting day on November 23. Each table will be headed by an ARO to ensure fair counting of postal ballots,” an Election Commission official stated. “The entire process will take place in a transparent manner under the full glare of the media and candidates or their agents.”
Fierce Battle Between Key Alliances
The elections, held in two phases on November 13 and 20, saw a strong voter turnout across the state’s 81 constituencies. In the first phase, 43 seats were contested, followed by 38 in the second phase. The contest has been fierce, with the NDA targeting corruption and governance issues under the JMM-led alliance and the INDIA bloc highlighting welfare schemes and accusing the BJP-led Centre of political vendetta.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who contested from Barhait, faces challenges not only from the BJP but also from allegations linked to corruption and governance lapses. “The opposition party spent over ₹500 crore on malicious campaigns against me,” Soren alleged during the campaign. His wife, Kalpana Soren, also contested from Gandey. Other key candidates include BJP’s Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri from Chandankiyari and Congress’s Deepika Pandey Singh from Mahagama.
Prominent Leaders and High-Stakes Races
The polls also saw participation from political heavyweights like BJP’s Babulal Marandi in Dhanwar and Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato (JMM) in Nala. AJSU Party chief Sudesh Mahto contested from Silli, while former Chief Minister Champai Soren ran from Seraikela.
Campaigning featured prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. BJP’s rallies heavily criticized the ruling coalition, focusing on corruption and alleged infiltration. “Ek rahenge toh safe rahenge (if we remain united, we will be safe),” was a key slogan for the NDA, while INDIA bloc leaders emphasized promises of inclusive development and welfare programs.
Reserved Seats and Changing Dynamics
Of the 81 assembly seats, 28 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and nine for Scheduled Castes (SC). In the 2019 elections, the JMM won 19 ST seats, while the BJP secured two. On SC seats, the BJP won six, with the JMM and RJD taking two and one seat, respectively. This year, the NDA has fielded candidates in 68 seats, while allies AJSU Party, JD(U), and LJP(RV) contest 10, two, and one seat each. On the INDIA bloc side, JMM has fielded candidates in 43 seats, Congress in 30, RJD in six, and CPI(ML) in four.
What to Expect
The state’s political landscape hangs in the balance, with exit polls predicting a tight race. According to CNN-News18 Poll of Polls, the NDA is projected to win around 40 seats, while the INDIA bloc is forecasted to secure 37. Others are expected to win four seats.
Security has been heightened at counting centers, with strong rooms fortified with surveillance and security personnel. “Observers have been appointed for each constituency, and candidates or their agents are encouraged to keep a close watch on the process,” an Election Commission official added.
The results will not only shape the future of Jharkhand’s governance but also reflect broader political trends as India approaches the 2024 general elections. Stay tuned for live updates as the votes are counted and the winners are declared.
With inputs from PTI
