Ranchi: Jharkhand begins its multi-phase assembly elections today with voting for 43 of the 81 assembly seats across 15 districts. This pivotal phase is underway from 7 am to 5 pm at most polling stations, while 950 specific booths will conclude at 4 pm, though voters in line will still have their turn.
The voting covers a wide swath of Jharkhand’s political heartland, drawing in key contenders and prominent figures, while also coinciding with by-elections for 31 assembly seats across 10 states and the high-stakes Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala.
Early Preparations and Mock Polling
To ensure smooth conduct, election officials undertook mock polling early this morning, kicking off at 5:30 am. Presiding Officer Nitasha at Polling Booth 291 in East Singhbhum stated, “We are fully prepared and welcome all voters.” She confirmed that agents and support staff were in place to facilitate an organized process from the outset.
Robust Security Measures in Place
Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar reassured the public, confirming extensive security arrangements, with polling teams deployed across districts since yesterday. CAPF and police forces have bolstered security, particularly in critical polling stations. In East Singhbhum, where over 1,900 booths are set up, more than 600 have been categorized as “critical.” Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal shared that 60 companies of police and CAPF forces are stationed here, and live webcasting has been arranged to monitor all booths.
High-Profile Contestants and Heated Battlegrounds
The stakes are high, as the BJP-led NDA aims to overcome the ruling JMM-led alliance in this first phase. Notable candidates include:
- Seraikela: Former Chief Minister Champai Soren (JMM) represents a key contest against BJP rivals.
- Jamshedpur West: Congress leader Banna Gupta faces JD(U)’s Saryu Rai, who previously unseated BJP heavyweight Raghubar Das.
- Jamshedpur East: Congress’s Ajay Kumar is up against Purnima Das Sahu, daughter-in-law of Raghubar Das.
- Jagannathpur: BJP’s Geeta Koda, wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, goes head-to-head with Congress’s Sona Ram Sinku.
- Ranchi: Sitting MP Mahua Maji (JMM) holds the line in Jharkhand’s capital.
In the previous assembly, JMM claimed 30 seats, BJP took 25, and Congress 16, making this first phase a critical test for all parties.
Upcoming Polling Phases and Counting
The remaining 38 seats will go to the polls on November 20, and the final vote count will take place on November 23, setting the stage for a fiercely contested election as Jharkhand’s political future hangs in the balance.
