Jharkhand Election 2024 Updates: 67.59% voter turnout recorded till 5pm in final phase of Jharkhand polls

The voter turnout of 67.59 percent registered in 38 assembly seats till 5 pm in second and final phase of Jharkhand polls.

Jharkhand BJP MP Nishikant Dubey filed a complaint with the Election Commission alleging that a presiding officer in Madhupur, Deoghar district, was favoring JMM candidate Hafizul Hassan. Following the complaint, the officer was arrested. However, the Deoghar administration clarified that the officer was replaced for being too close to the voting compartment, violating Election Commission rules. The officer’s actions were deemed negligent.

Sudesh Mahto, MLA and leader of the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) party, along with his family, cast their votes at a polling booth in Lagam village.

Amar Kumar Bauri, Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand and BJP's candidate for Chandankyari constituency, expressed confidence that his party will form the next government. He is seeking to retain his seat in Chandankyari. As voting for the 2024 Jharkhand elections began, Bauri followed his daily routine by offering prayers at his residence. He said, "I do this every day, starting my day with prayers. With the rising sun today, a new dawn for Jharkhand begins. It’s been 25 years since the state was formed, and the people will choose their government. As the second phase of voting continues, I pray for the protection of the rights of natives and tribals. I believe the people will vote for their future, and with their blessings, the BJP will form the government."

"I urge everyone to go out and vote. We are set to win all the seats in Santhal Pargana by a large margin. The BJP is finished. They raised the issue of infiltration from Bangladesh, but you came from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, while the people here speak Bengali. Does that make us Bangladeshis? Adivasis, Muslims, and Dalits speak Bengali too—does that mean we're from Bangladesh? The BJP insulted the Bengali community, but the people have rejected this narrative. Jharkhand doesn't even share a border with Bangladesh," said Jharkhand Minister, sitting MLA, and Jamtara candidate Irfan Ansari.

Voter turnout of 61.47% registered in 38 assembly seats till 3 PM in second and final phase of Jharkhand polls

Kalpana Soren, wife of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and JMM candidate for the Gandey Assembly seat, expressed confidence in the victory of the Mahagathbandhan alliance in the upcoming assembly elections. She stated that the people of Jharkhand will support Hemant Soren and the alliance. Speaking to ANI, Kalpana Soren said, "I am confident about my win, as I have worked hard for the people of Gandey. Over the next five years, I aim to continue this work. The people will vote for Hemant Soren and our Mahagathbandhan." She also criticized the BJP for focusing on division rather than development. "For the first time since the creation of Jharkhand, women have been given the respect they deserve. Hemant Soren has been doing a great job as a young chief minister. The BJP wants to talk about division, not development. We are sure to form the government in the state.

Members of the banned Jharkhand Prastuti Committee (JPC), a Maoist faction, torched five trucks in Laat forest near Herhanj Police Station, just hours before the start of the second and final phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections.

The highest voting turnout of 53.83 per cent was reported from Pakur in Jharkhand. This was followed by 52.21 per cent from Jamtara, 51.26 per cent from Ramgarh and 50.28 per cent from Dumka district.

In the first six hours of polling, Godda recorded a turnout of 50.27 per cent, Deoghar 49.83 per cent, Hazaribag 48.62 per cent, Giridih 48.01 per cent, Sahebganj 47.51 per cent and Dhanbad 43.16 per cent.

The lowest turnout was recorded in Bokaro at 42.52 per cent till 1 PM.

Voter turnout of 47.92 percent recorded in 38 assembly seats till 1 PM in second and final phase of Jharkhand polls

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission over alleged misconduct by a presiding officer at booth number 111 in the Madhupur assembly constituency, Deoghar district, during the ongoing Jharkhand Assembly elections. Dubey claimed the officer showed bias in favor of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate and Minister Hafizul Hassan. Following the complaint, the Election Commission acted swiftly, arresting the presiding officer involved. Dubey confirmed the development while speaking to reporters in Deoghar.

JDU leader KC Tyagi expressed confidence that a government will be formed in Jharkhand under the leadership of the NDA. He criticized the previous government for its alleged corruption, nepotism, and family rule, which he claimed had sparked public discontent.

As voting for the Jharkhand and Maharashtra assembly elections concludes, all eyes will shift to the exit poll predictions, which will offer early insights into the possible outcomes for the future state governments. The exit poll results are expected to be available after 6:30 pm on November 20, Wednesday, once polling has wrapped up.

The second phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections features several high-profile candidates across 38 constituencies. Key contenders include Chief Minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), who is contesting from Barhait, and Babulal Marandi of the BJP, who is running from Dhanwar. Other notable JMM candidates include Rabindra Nath Mahato from Nala, Bebi Devi from Dumri, Hafizul Ansari from Madhupur, and Stephen Marandi from Maheshpur. The Indian National Congress (INC) is also fielding prominent candidates like Deepika Pandey from Mahagama, Dr. Irfan Ansari from Jamtara, Badal Patralekh from Jarmundi, and Pradeep Yadav from Poreyahat. BJP candidates in the race include Amar Bauri from Chandankiyari and Sita Soren from Jamtara. AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto is contesting from Silli, while other key figures include Vinod Singh of CPI from Bagodar and Anup Singh of INC from Bermo. These candidates are pivotal in the battle for the state’s political future as the election unfolds.

In the second and final phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, 38 constituencies are up for grabs across 12 districts. These include Rajmahal, Borio (ST), Barhait (ST), Litipara (ST), Pakaur, Maheshpur (ST), Sikaripara (ST), Nala, Jamtara, Dumka (ST), Jama (ST), Jarmundi, Madhupur, Sarath, Deoghar (SC), Poreyahat, Godda, Mahagama, Ramgarh, Mandu, Dhanwar, Bagodar, Jamua (SC), Gandey, Giridih, Dumri, Gomia, Bermo, Bokaro, Chandankiyari (SC), Sindri, Nirsa, Dhanbad, Jharia, Tundi, Baghmara, Silli, and Khijri (ST). The elections cover a diverse mix of urban, rural, and tribal-dominated seats, making this phase crucial for political parties aiming to secure a majority in the state.

As the second and final phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections progresses, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Kalpana Soren expressed optimism over the enthusiastic voter turnout.

Speaking after visiting multiple polling stations, Soren remarked, "The energy and enthusiasm among the people are remarkable. A huge number of voters are showing up to cast their ballots. With several hours of voting still left, I am confident that even more people will join this celebration of democracy."

Voter turnout of 31.37 percent recorded in 38 assembly seats till 11 AM in second and final phase of Jharkhand polls

Just hours before the second and final phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections on Wednesday, five trucks involved in coal transportation were set ablaze in Latehar district, allegedly by Maoists, police reported.

The incident occurred around 1:30 am in the Laat forest under Herhanj Police Station. According to Latehar Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav, the trucks, returning from the Tubed coal project, were attacked by members of the banned Jharkhand Prastuti Committee (JPC), a splinter Maoist group.

Just hours before the second and final phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections on Wednesday, five trucks involved in coal transportation were set ablaze in Latehar district, allegedly by Maoists, police reported.

The incident occurred around 1:30 am in the Laat forest under Herhanj Police Station. According to Latehar Superintendent of Police Kumar Gaurav, the trucks, returning from the Tubed coal project, were attacked by members of the banned Jharkhand Prastuti Committee (JPC), a splinter Maoist group.

Jharkhand’s electoral landscape reveals a growing focus on women voters, who form a significant portion of the electorate. As per the latest electoral rolls, the state has 2.59 crore voters, including 1.31 crore men and 1.28 crore women. Notably, women outnumber men in 32 of the 81 constituencies.

Among these 32 seats, 26 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and two for Scheduled Castes (SCs). Key constituencies in this group include Chaibasa, Ghatshila, Manoharpur, Kharsawan, Kunti, Shikaripara, Majhgaon, Maheshpur, Littipara, and Simdega. Jharkhand’s total reserved constituencies comprise 28 for STs and nine for SCs.

As Jharkhand heads to the polls, BJP candidate from Chandankiyari, Amar Kumar Bauri, expressed confidence in his party’s victory after casting his vote in Bokaro. “Counting will happen on November 23, but BJP will definitely win. People have chosen BJP for change and the protection of 'Maati, Beti, Roti',” he said, highlighting the party’s strong voter appeal.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand minister Dipika Pandey Singh cast her vote in Godda, calling for large voter participation. “I fulfilled my duty to vote. I urge everyone to participate in this festival of democracy. I am expecting good results,” she said, emphasising the importance of civic responsibility in shaping the state’s future.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey expressed confidence that his party would secure a full majority in the Jharkhand Assembly elections. “We are going to form our government here with a two-thirds majority,” he said. Dubey highlighted issues like infiltration, unemployment, and corruption, which he believes have resonated with the public. He also claimed that tribal communities in the state are determined to bring about a change in governance, adding that this would mark the first time the BJP forms a government in Jharkhand independently.

Kalpana Soren, the wife of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and the JMM candidate for the Gandey Assembly by-election, urged all eligible voters in the constituency to exercise their right to vote. Speaking with confidence about her victory, she highlighted her dedicated work for the people of Gandey and her commitment to continue serving the region over the next five years. Soren expressed her belief that the people of Jharkhand would vote in favor of Hemant Soren and their mahagathbandhan (grand alliance).

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed confidence in the victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in both Jharkhand and Maharashtra, under the leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Pradhan stated that the NDA's success is assured, with the Mahayuti alliance expected to secure a significant majority of up to 175 seats in Maharashtra. He also predicted a decisive lead for the NDA in Jharkhand.

Pradhan stressed that the people of both states have shown their trust in Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, and urged voters to support NDA candidates to ensure continued progress in both states.

Kalpana Soren, wife of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the JMM candidate for the Gandey assembly by-election, expressed confidence in the state's political future, adding that the progress made under her husband's leadership. She said, "This is the first time since Jharkhand’s formation that women in the state have been given the respect they truly deserve. Hemant Soren has been doing excellent work as a young Chief Minister." Soren also took a jab at the opposition, adding, "The BJP doesn't want to discuss development; instead, they focus on division." She reiterated her belief that the JMM would form the next government in Jharkhand.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai spoke about the state’s participation in the Indian International Trade Fair at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, where Chhattisgarh Day is being celebrated. The event is taking place in the presence of the state’s Governor.

On the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections, Sai expressed confidence in the success of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in both states. He stated that the BJP is set to form the government in both regions. Commenting on the opposition's reactions to election results, Sai said, "When they lose, they blame the EVMs, but when they win, the EVMs are considered correct."

12.71% Voter Turnout Recorded by 9 AM in Jharkhand Assembly Elections' Final Phase

In an interview with The Indian Express, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren responded to criticism regarding the state's performance in the education sector, particularly in terms of learning outcomes and teacher shortages.

Soren acknowledged the challenges but highlighted the government’s efforts to improve education, specifically through the launch of the CM School of Excellence. Currently, 80 such schools are operational, with plans to expand to 5,000 in the future. He emphasized that reforms need to be gradual, as the existing education system cannot be entirely overhauled overnight.

He explained that the initiative aims to build confidence in students, especially those in English-medium schools, through a parallel setup that will make them more presentable in society.

On higher education, Soren stressed his commitment to enhancing research and academic opportunities within the state. Drawing inspiration from institutions like Delhi University, he expressed a desire to establish major law and research institutes within Jharkhand. “If I can send students to London, why can’t I offer similar opportunities here?” he said, reinforcing his vision for a more self-reliant and advanced educational infrastructure in Jharkhand.

Jharkhand BJP President Babulal Marandi urged citizens to actively participate in the election, calling it a "festival of democracy" that offers an opportunity to shape the state's future once every five years. Marandi emphasized the key issues of infiltration and unemployment, accusing Chief Minister Hemant Soren of betraying the youth of Jharkhand.

He appealed to young voters, urging them to support the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) this time, as he believes the BJP-led coalition is the right choice for addressing the state's challenges and securing its development.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the state’s final phase of Assembly elections. In the letter, Soren accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing to address critical issues affecting the people of Jharkhand, despite intense campaigning by BJP leaders in the state.

Soren pointed out that while BJP leaders, both big and small, campaigned extensively across Jharkhand, none of them addressed the state's pressing concerns. “Not a single one talked about our rights, our children’s provident fund, the support of our elders, or the guarantee of security for Jharkhandis,” Soren said in the letter.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has written an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of the state’s final phase of Assembly elections. In the letter, Soren accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing to address critical issues affecting the people of Jharkhand, despite intense campaigning by BJP leaders in the state.

Soren pointed out that while BJP leaders, both big and small, campaigned extensively across Jharkhand, none of them addressed the state's pressing concerns. “Not a single one talked about our rights, our children’s provident fund, the support of our elders, or the guarantee of security for Jharkhandis,” Soren said in the letter.

"It is the morning of hope for Jharkhand. As the state completes 25 years, the people are ready to choose a government that will rule for the next five years. There is a strong atmosphere to protect 'maati-beti-roti'. I am going to vote, and we will secure a full majority to form the government," said BJP candidate from Chandankiyari, Amar Kumar Bauri.

In the 2019 Jharkhand Assembly elections, Hemant Soren led the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) to power with support from Congress and three smaller allies, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

However, Soren's tenure was disrupted earlier this year when he was arrested in an alleged land scam case, forcing him to resign. Senior JMM leader Champai Soren was appointed as the Chief Minister and held the position for 153 days. After Hemant Soren was released from jail, he returned to the role, while Champai Soren, disgruntled and alleging humiliation within the party, switched allegiance to the BJP shortly after.

Now, Champai Soren is contesting the Saraikella seat as the BJP candidate, facing a tough challenge from JMM's Ganesh Mahali in the upcoming elections.

Jharkhand, India's 28th state, was formed on November 15, 2000, through the Bihar Reorganisation Act, marking the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda. While BJP's Karia Munda was the most prominent tribal leader at the time, Babulal Marandi, a tribal leader with RSS roots, was appointed as the first chief minister.

In the following years, JMM’s Shibu Soren and BJP’s Arjun Munda took oath as chief ministers three times, while Babulal Marandi, Madhu Koda, and Hemant Soren served once each. Soren's term notably included a brief 10-day stint where his government failed to prove majority in the Assembly.

Jharkhand's first period of political stability came under BJP's Raghubar Das, who became the state’s first chief minister to serve a full five-year term after assuming office in 2014.

Since its formation in 2000, Jharkhand has faced significant political instability, despite its rich mineral resources. Among the seven chief ministers who have led the state, only Raghubar Das completed a full five-year term. The state has also experienced three instances of President's Rule. In the five Assembly elections held so far, no party has achieved a clear majority, with the political scene being largely dominated by the BJP and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has accused central security forces of threatening tribal voters in the state. The party took to Twitter, tagging the Election Commission and the Deputy Commissioner, to highlight concerns over the intimidation. The tweet said that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to participate freely in the electoral process, calling for the protection of voters' rights.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren opened up about his time in prison, describing it as a world apart from anything he had experienced. Soren shared that many prisoners, including tribal individuals, do not deserve incarceration and often face dire circumstances, with families struggling to meet even basic needs. He highlighted the lack of access to legal resources for Jharkhand’s tribal communities and the absence of healthcare for women prisoners. Despite these hardships, Soren found hope in the solidarity among inmates, where prisoners helped each other, with some even teaching and caring for the elderly. This experience, he said, offered him a new perspective on life.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren addressed the money laundering allegations against him, claiming that his party had worked responsibly for governance. He stated that while the BJP was determined to crush the JMM, he was jailed as part of this effort. Soren emphasized that he would accept punishment if guilty, but he could not accept his imprisonment when he had done nothing wrong. Reflecting on his time in jail, he shared that the BJP’s real aim was to destabilize the JMM government. Upon his release, he observed the chaos outside and felt compelled to return as Chief Minister to restore order.

Acharya Pramod Krishnam appealed to voters in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh to step out and cast their votes for the bright future and identity of the country. "Your vote is crucial for the nation's progress," he emphasized.

JMM MP Nalin Soren emphasized his commitment to voting early as part of a tradition and encouraged the future MLA to continue the practice. "People will vote on the issue of development, and my government will remain in power," he said confidently.

BJP candidate from Dhanbad Assembly, Raj Sinha, expressed confidence in the party’s victory, citing the high voter turnout and current trends. "It is clear that BJP is going to form the government. We raised the issue of Bangladesh infiltrators because it is the truth, and the people need to understand its consequences," Sinha said.

"Today marks the second and final phase of the great festival of democracy in Jharkhand. I urge all voters to participate with enthusiasm and set a new voting record. I especially congratulate all the young voters casting their votes for the first time. Your vote is the strength of the state," posts PM Modi.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday criticised the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government, claiming the state is suffering from "no governance." He highlighted issues of women's safety, lack of opportunities for youth, and rising corruption, which, he said, have worsened the struggles of the people. Chouhan emphasized the need for change and assured that the Bharatiya Janata Party would bring about transformation if voted to power.

Jharkhand's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), K Ravi Kumar, on Tuesday directed the District Electoral Officer of Ranchi to file FIRs against the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the silence period ahead of the second phase of the assembly elections, scheduled for Wednesday.

Both parties had organized press conferences at their respective offices earlier in the day, a move that is prohibited under the MCC during the 48-hour silence period before voting.

“I would like to appeal to everyone to step outside and exercise their voting rights," says Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi

Ahead of the second and final phase of polling for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, Congress framed the upcoming vote as a clear choice for voters. Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, emphasized that voters must decide between the seven guarantees offered by the INDIA bloc and the BJP’s “politics of hatred” and its stance on undermining “jal-jungle-zameen” (water, forest, land).

Ramesh assured the public that if the INDIA bloc receives a mandate, it will implement all seven guarantees in the next term, vowing to protect Jharkhand’s culture and tribal identity.

Chief Electoral Officer of Jharkhand, K Ravi Kumar, provided an update on the election preparations, stating that all necessary measures are in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process. "Control and monitoring are being done from here, and polling will take place across 12 districts," Kumar said.

He assured the public that the entire process is being closely monitored in the control rooms of these districts to ensure transparency and security. "So far, the election has been peaceful, and we expect it to remain peaceful," he added, explaining that the election is being held in two phases to maintain law and order and minimize disruptions.

BJP-Jharkhand President Babulal Marandi expressed confidence that the people of Jharkhand are eager for a change in government, criticizing the current Hemant Soren-led JMM government for its alleged failures over the past five years. Speaking to the media, Marandi said, “The mood of the people is clear – they want to change the Hemant Soren-led government, as they have endured much pain under its rule.”

Marandi also pointed to a recent Income Tax raid on several locations linked to the personal assistant (PA) of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, implying corruption within the government. "It’s not possible to conduct such raids without black money involvement," he remarked, suggesting that accusations against BJP leaders were a deflection tactic in response to growing corruption allegations.

The BJP leader reiterated his confidence in the party's success, stating, “BJP-NDA will secure more than 51 seats and form the next government in Jharkhand.”

Soren asserted that the BJP is witnessing increasing support across the state, with voters losing faith in Congress. "We have received a very positive response from the people. From Santhal Parganas to Palamu, there is a BJP wave sweeping through all the constituencies," he said.

Criticising Congress’s historical role in the Jharkhand movement, Soren accused the party of suppressing the statehood struggle and creating martyrs. "The Jharkhand Andolan (movement) went on for so long because of Congress. They were the ones who crushed the movement and created martyrs," he alleged, pointing to longstanding grievances among Adivasi and Moolnivasi (indigenous) communities.

As Jharkhand heads into the second phase of its Assembly elections, BJP leader and former Chief Minister Champai Soren launched a sharp critique of the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), accusing them of neglecting the issues faced by the state’s Adivasi communities. Contesting from the Saraikela Assembly constituency, Soren claimed that the ruling coalition has failed to address the needs of indigenous communities, eroding public trust.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, campaigning in Jharkhand as the BJP’s election co-incharge, highlighted the ongoing assembly polls as a critical juncture for the state’s women, youth, and marginalized communities. Speaking at rallies on Monday, Sarma accused the ruling JMM-led coalition of neglecting its electoral promises and failing to address the needs of the people.

"Chief Minister Hemant Soren is busy talking about his wife, while she chants ‘Ek hi naara, Hemant dobara’ (Only one slogan, Hemant for a second time). But who will talk about the youth, women, and the poor?" Sarma questioned, asserting that this time there would be no “Hemant dobara.”

Sarma framed the election as not just a political contest but a fight for the welfare of the poor, empowerment of women, and opportunities for the youth. He also tied the campaign to issues of “Hindu pride and protection,” urging voters to prioritize these values at the ballot box.

Criticising the Soren-led government, Sarma pointed to unfulfilled promises from the 2019 elections, including the creation of five lakh jobs and the provision of unemployment allowances. “These promises remain undelivered, exposing the government’s failure to live up to its commitments,” he stated.

With the second phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections just hours away, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, predicting a two-thirds majority win. Speaking on Monday, Shah Deo claimed that the BJP’s influence was steadily rising, taking direct aim at the opposition INDIA bloc.

"In Jharkhand, the ‘bhagwa’ (saffron) flag is overpowering the ‘fatwa’ issued by Muslim clerics supporting the opposition alliance," he remarked, alleging that religious endorsements by opposition leaders were an attempt to sway voters. "Such actions are shameful, and the people of Sanatan Dharma are enraged. They are ready to oust the INDI alliance from the state," he added.

The BJP spokesperson also criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s push for a caste census in the state, questioning why the exercise was not conducted during the INDIA bloc’s tenure in power. “It’s hypocritical to raise this issue now when nothing was done in their five years of governance,” Shah Deo argued.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched a scathing attack on the BJP on Monday, accusing the party of failing to protect tribal women in Manipur while raising questions about women’s safety in Jharkhand. Soren’s remarks came during rallies in Dumka and Ranchi on the final day of campaigning for the assembly polls.

“Under BJP rule, women in Manipur are being subjected to horrific atrocities, yet they speak about ‘Beti’ in Jharkhand. What do they know about the struggles of our people?” Soren questioned, in a pointed rebuttal to the BJP’s campaign narrative centered on “Hindu pride” and issues of land, women, and infiltration.

The BJP has accused the JMM-led government of supporting Bangladeshi infiltrators and facilitating marriages between tribal women and outsiders to grab tribal land. Responding to these allegations, Soren argued that democracy transcends caste and religion, emphasizing the need to address the real issues faced by people in the state.

The INDIA bloc, represented by leaders such as Congress's Rahul Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge, and CM Hemant Soren, has countered with promises of welfare initiatives, while accusing the BJP-led Centre of misusing investigative agencies like the ED and CBI to target opposition parties. This election features 28 seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and nine for Scheduled Castes (SC). In 2019, JMM dominated the ST seats, winning 19, followed by Congress (6), BJP (2), and JVM(P) (1). In the SC category, BJP secured six, JMM two, and RJD one.

The battle for Jharkhand's assembly intensifies, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife and legislator Kalpana Soren, former CM and BJP state president Babulal Marandi, Assembly Speaker Ravindra Nath Mahto (JMM), and AJSU Party chief Sudesh Mahto among the key contenders.

Top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP chief JP Nadda, and several state chief ministers, have campaigned extensively, targeting the JMM-led coalition over corruption and alleged infiltration.

As polling day approaches, over 1.23 crore eligible voters, including 60.79 lakh women and 147 third-gender individuals, gear up to cast their votes. A total of 528 candidates are in the fray, comprising 472 men, 55 women, and one third-gender candidate, vying for a spot in the state assembly.

The ruling JMM-led coalition is banking on its welfare schemes to secure another term in power. Meanwhile, the opposition, led by the BJP, has sharpened its attack on issues of Hindutva, alleged "infiltration from Bangladesh," and accusations of corruption against the current government, raising the stakes in this closely watched contest.

Top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have conducted numerous rallies criticizing the JMM-led coalition over issues of corruption and infiltration. Conversely, INDIA bloc leaders, such as Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, have rallied for welfare initiatives while accusing the BJP-led Centre of using agencies like the ED and CBI for political gain.

Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar confirmed that all preparations for the voting process are complete, with polling personnel dispatched to their respective booths. Among the 38 seats, eight are reserved for scheduled tribes and three for scheduled castes. Notably, women will oversee the voting process in 239 polling stations, and 22 booths will be managed by persons with disabilities (PwDs).

The ruling JMM-led INDIA bloc is campaigning on the strength of its welfare schemes, while the BJP-led NDA is focusing on issues such as Hindutva, alleged “infiltration from Bangladesh,” and claims of corruption by the current government. In particular, the NDA has targeted the Santhal Pargana region, alleging significant infiltration during the past five years of JMM governance.

The previous assembly elections in 2019 witnessed a close contest, with the JMM securing 30 seats while the BJP won 25, a decline from their 37 seats in 2014. The JMM-Congress-RJD alliance claimed a solid majority with 47 seats. As the current election approaches, both coalitions are ramping up their campaigns to sway voter sentiment.

Jharkhand is set for a significant polling day as the INDIA bloc and the NDA compete for 38 of the state's 81 assembly seats this Wednesday. This election will play a critical role in determining the future for Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his wife Kalpana Soren, and Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri, along with more than 500 other candidates. Voting will start at 7 am across 14,218 polling stations statewide and will run until 5 pm, with 31 booths closing an hour earlier at 4 pm. The electorate totals approximately 1.23 crore, which includes 60.79 lakh women and 147 voters identifying as third gender. A total of 528 candidates are vying for positions, made up of 472 men, 55 women, and one candidate from the third gender.

Today, the race intensifies as the INDIA bloc and NDA face off in a battle for 38 critical seats. Stay tuned for real-time updates, insights, and key developments as voters head to the polls.