Jharkhand Election 2024: 64.86% voter turnout recorded till 5 pm in phase 1, says EC

Jharkhand Phase-1 polling, which began at 7 am today, recorded a voter turnout of 64.86% till 5 pm, according to the Election Commission of India.

The Phase-2 polling is slated to be held on November 20 alongside Maharashtra Assembly polls, with the results to be declared three days later.

Talking to reporters in Ranchi, Assam CM and BJP Jharkhand co-incharge Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "We have not written our election manifesto overnight. We took ideas from the governance model of BJP-governed states, talked to the people of Jharkhand, and took 4-5 months of extensive deliberations before drafting our manifesto... Money won't be a problem for us in Jharkhand. The state has been blessed with natural resources... JMM wants to keep Jharkhand in the clutches of poverty, but it has the potential to be the most prosperous state of the country."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Modi is going to make your electricity bill zero. We will give Rs 75,000 to Rs 80,000 to every household for installing solar panels. The electricity that will be generated from it will have zero electricity bill and if there is more electricity than your requirement, then the government will buy your electricity."

Brisk voting was recorded in Maoist-affected areas in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district despite a call given by the red rebels to boycott assembly elections on Wednesday, officials said.

The Maoists had put up posters and banners at the gates of a polling station in Rabanga village in Manoharpur constituency, calling upon electors to boycott the polls, and also placed an object which was suspected to be a bomb, they said.

“Wherever I have gone in Jharkhand, every rally breaks the record of previous rally. Those who do calculations of politics, I want to tell them to just have a round of Jharkhand, they will get the result. I am seeing your love, but I have come here to give you an invitation, after the results on November 23, there will be swearing-in of a NDA government, I want to invite you. Today first phase of election is happening, and people in large numbers are voting and celebrating the festival of democracy. They are going to vote with pomp and show. There were queues since morning. I am grateful for the support of people of Jharkhand,” says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an election rally in Godda.

BJP created Jharkhand, it is time to boost state’s development under ‘Viksit Bharat, says PM Modi in Deoghar.

Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday expressed confidence that the BJP will get two-thirds majority in Jharkhand, where the first phase of polling is underway. He also said that people will vote for his party in order to end the "corrupt" rule of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress-Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) alliance. Chouhan is Bharatiya Janata Party's assembly election in-charge in Jharkhand.

In this great festival of democracy, I went to the booth centre in Ranchi with Hemant ji and cast my vote for the bright future of Jharkhand. This is not just a vote, but a resolution to make the Jharkhand of our dreams a reality. My humble request to all voters is that they must reach the booth on this historic day and fulfill their responsibility. Your every vote has the power to make the dream of a developed, strong and prosperous Jharkhand come true, posted Kalpana Soren on X.

"Election is a festival (of democracy) and in this festival there is need to utilise the vote after considering everything. My opponent will now be limited to the pages of history only. They are using all kinds of power, but vote is such a power that can defeat anyone. People are contesting the election this time, I had only filed the nomination. NDA will form government in Jharkhand," says BJP's Chatra candidate Janardhan Paswan.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge reiterated his push for social justice, inclusive development as he appealed people of Jharkhand to vote. Kharge in a post on X said, “Voting has started today for the first phase of Jharkhand elections, Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election and by-elections in 31 assembly constituencies of 10 states. All voters are requested to cast their valuable vote to strengthen and empower democracy and the Constitution."

Additional chief electoral officer Neha Arora told ANI that two and three cases of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation have been registered in Bhawnathpur and Jamshedpur, respectively.

Over 50 unique booths, designed to reflect a variety of cultural, social, and awareness themes, were set up across 15 districts of Jharkhand to engage the electorate and create a more inclusive and vibrant voting experience during the first phase of polling on Wednesday.

BJP candidate Geeta Koda said her priority would be to open the mines to generate employment in the region. Geeta, the wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, faces Congress leader Sona Ram Sinku in Jagannathpur constituency.

Former Congress MP Sandeep Dikshit said, "...We hope that the EVMs work properly without being any party's agent. That's all we can say. In both places, especially in Wayanad, there is no doubt. In Wayanad, Priyanka Ji will win with a very good margin. In Jharkhand, we feel that our alliance will definitely win a majority, and Hemant Soren's government will be formed again."

“As per my information, the NDA is moving forward strongly. Our two JD(U) candidates are there in Tamar, and Jamshedpur West, Saryu Roy and Raja Peter are contesting. People are voting for JD(U), it looks we will be winning from both the seats, and NDA will form the government,” Bihar Minister Shravan Kumar told PTI.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is on track to register an emphatic victory in the Jharkhand Assembly elections, winning 45-50 seats in the 81-member Assembly, a survey by Matrize agency has found.

Here is a list of candidates across parties with criminal record, according to Indian Express.

BJP: 20 candidates (56% of total candidates in first phase)

JMM: 11 (48%)

Congress: 11 (65%)

RJD: 3 (60%)

AJSUP: 3 (75%)

JD(U): 2 (100%)

LJP(RV): 1 (100%)

"People of Jharkhand have decided to vote for the INDIA alliance. We all know that PM Modi, HM Shah, Himanta Sarma tried to divide the people on faith issues, and illusionary issues, but the welfare schemes, and the narrative of INDIA alliance has resonated with the people of Jharkhand, and we are heading for a huge victory," says Congress leader Manickam Tagore.

BJP's Ranchi candidate CP Singh cast his vote on Wednesday, as polling began for the first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections. Voters cast their ballots in 43 constituencies across 15 districts. Singh said, "I have exercised my right. This is a right as well as a duty. Every person should exercise his right to vote."

Strict security measures are in place as Jharkhand Assembly polls is underway. Commenting on the security measures, SP City Raj Kumar Mehta told ANI, “The message to the people of Ranchi is to exercise their franchise…We want people to vote peacefully… Drones are being used for security purposes.”

The main contest during the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly polls is between former Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren and JMM’s Ganesh Mahli. Exuding confidence in victory, Soren told PTI, “The BJP and allies will win all 14 seats in Kolhan region. There is no ifs and buts about it.”

The ruling JMM has fielded 23 candidates and its allies Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) have put forward 17 and 5 candidates, respectively. The Opposition BJP has fielded 36 candidates, while the Janata Dal United (JDU) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have nominated 2 and 7 candidates, respectively.

Odisha Governor Raghubar Das and his family members cast vote at a polling booth in Jamshedpur.

Speaking on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai noted, “The Prime Minister has designated November 15, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas. Birsa Munda fought valiantly against the British. The Janjatiya community made a significant contribution to the freedom struggle. We are launching the ‘Mati ke Veer’ padyatra to honor this day and celebrate Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas.”

Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai expressed confidence in the BJP’s prospects in the Jharkhand Assembly polls, stating, “The first phase of elections is underway in Jharkhand, and I am fully confident that the BJP government will be formed in Jharkhand.”

Former Union Minister and BJP leader Arjun Munda has arrived at a polling station in Seraikela Kharsawan to cast his vote.

JMM candidate from Ranchi, Mahua Maji, expressed, “My priority will be ensuring the safety of women. I have dedicated myself to the welfare of women and will continue this commitment.” She urged, “I request the people of the state to turn out in large numbers and cast their votes.”

BJP MP Deepak Prakash stated, “Our vision for Jharkhand is clear – it must be developed and free from corruption. The youth need jobs and employment, and our women must be shielded from atrocities. This is the commitment of the upcoming double-engine government.” He further asserted, “Bangladeshi infiltrators have destroyed Jharkhand; they are part of a conspiracy to weaken India.”

Nearly 13.04 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 9 AM

Polling began around 7 AM in these constituencies across 15 districts and will continue till 5 PM.

In the 2019 assembly elections, the contest was too close, with the JMM winning 30 seats and the BJP securing 25, down from 37 in 2014.

The JMM-Congress-RJD alliance won a comfortable majority with 47 seats.

Police use drones for surveillance in Ranchi as first phase of voting is underway

SP City Raj Kumar Mehta said, "The message to the people of Ranchi is to exercise their franchise...We want people to vote peacefully... Drones are being used for security purposes ..."

In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said all voters are requested to cast their valuable votes to strengthen democracy and the Constitution.

Participate enthusiastically in this festival of democracy, says Union Minister Annapurna Devi

"Today is the great festival of democracy. Voting is being held for 43 seats in Jharkhand. We will request and appeal to everyone to participate enthusiastically in this great festival of democracy and cast their vote," she added.

Former CM Champai Soren, contesting on a BJP ticket in Seraikela, faces a challenge from former JMM’s Ganesh Mahli. BJP’s Geeta Kora, wife of former chief minister Madhu Koda, will lock horns with Congress’ Sona Ram Sinku in Jagannathpur.

Congress veteran Rameshwar Oraon will contest against AJSU Party’s Shanti Bhagat in Lohardaga.

In Jamshedpur (West), JD (U) candidate Saryu Roy will lock horns with Congress’ Banna Gupta. In 2019, Roy as an Independent, had defeated sitting CM Raghubar Das.

After casting his vote, BJP candidate from Ranchi assembly seat CP Singh said every person should exercise his right to vote.

"I have exercised my right. This is a right as well as a duty," he added

A total of 1.37 crore voters are eligible to participate in the voting on November 13.

Altogether 683 candidates - 609 men, 73 women and a third gender person - are in the fray in the 43 seats.

Out of the 43 assembly seats, 17 are reserved for general, 20 for scheduled tribes and 6 seats for scheduled castes.

A total of 15,344 polling stations have been set up for the first phase of elections.

JMM leader Manoj Pandey said BJP's desperation and fear show that they have lost.

"The people of Jharkhand have decided that they have to go with development, with Hemant Soren and not with those who spread hatred. Supporters of the INDIA alliance and JMM will vote in large numbers, we will once again form the government," he added.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to those voting in the first phase to exercise their franchise in record numbers to end corruption, infiltration and appeasement in the state.

"I appeal to all the voters going to vote in the first phase of polling in Jharkhand to cast record votes for the creation of a Jharkhand which is free from corruption, infiltration and appeasement, and is developed," Shah wrote on X in Hindi.

Congress candidate from Jamshedpur East, Dr Ajoy Kumar said he has received immense love from the people of Jamshedpur.

"Good reports are coming from everywhere...The workers here have encouraged us...For 30 years, the empire of a family has been continuing here, against which we are fighting and we will continue to fight that battle," he added.

Union Minister Sanjay Seth said that the people of Jharkhand are fed up with corruption in these 5 years.

"BJP will win here with a two-third majority... Is Jharkhand a Dharamshala, a refugee centre? Infiltrators are being called here from Bangladesh."

He further said that BJP has taken a resolution that from November 24, Bangladeshi infiltrators will be thrown out of the border.

He added, "Yesterday, the Health Minister here, Banna Gupta said that 'Hindus are extremists'...It is their tradition to abuse Hinduism for vote bank..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this morning, urged voters to participate enthusiastically in the first round of voting for the Jharkhand assembly elections.

"Today is the first round of voting in the Jharkhand assembly elections. I urge all voters to vote with full enthusiasm in this festival of democracy," Modi said in a post on X. He also extended his heartfelt congratulations to all young voters casting their vote for the first time, adding, "Remember – 'pehle matdan, phir jalpaan'!"

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Mahua Maji appealed to voters to cast their votes in large numbers. Maji said, "I appeal to everyone to vote for me. I want there to be development. Ranchi does not look like a capital, and I want to transform it into one. I have experience in different sectors."

On the first phase of voting for the Jharkhand Assembly elections, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo said, "Today is the 'Mahaparv' of the democratic system in Jharkhand. This occasion comes only once in five years. I request and urge all the citizens and voters of Jharkhand to step out and vote. Please vote with the understanding that you are voting for a stable government, one that will provide corruption-free governance."

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spending “crores of rupees” on a covert advertising campaign aimed at damaging his image and the state’s reputation.

He further criticised the Election Commission for not taking action despite filing a complaint and added that the state’s image was being undermined by the creation of over 95,000 WhatsApp groups.

After casting his vote, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Governor of Jharkhand, said, "I appeal to the people to exercise their franchise and vote in large numbers. The way voting took place in Jammu and Kashmir, people voted in large numbers. It should be celebrated like a festival."

Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Governor of Jharkhand, cast his vote at a polling booth in Ranchi, Jharkhand early morning today.

Home Minister Amit Shah, taking to microblogging site X, urged voters in Jharkhand to turn out in large numbers during the first phase of voting.

Shah said, “I appeal to all the voters going to vote in the first phase of Jharkhand to cast record votes for the creation of a corruption-free, infiltration-free, and appeasement-free Jharkhand. Vote in large numbers for the protection of tribal identity, the security of women, and employment for the youth. Today, cast your first vote for Roti-Beti-Mati, and then enjoy refreshments.”

In this phase, voting is taking place for 43 out of the 81 seats in Jharkhand.

Fatima Mary, Booth Level Officer (BLO) of KMPM College 49, Jamshedpur West Assembly Constituency, said, "Our effort is to ensure maximum voting. All arrangements have been made, and CCTVs have also been installed to ensure smooth and secure voting."

Meanwhile, the Jharkhand BJP lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing Congress and JMM of violating the model code of conduct by releasing their manifestos during the "silent period." According to BJP, the silent period began after 5 pm on Monday, following the conclusion of the campaign for the first phase of voting, and no publicity, press conferences, or manifesto releases were allowed during this time. The JMM had also released its manifesto on Monday, which included a promise to provide 33% reservation for women in state government jobs.

Other promises include the establishment of one 100-bed super-specialty hospital in each district headquarters, the distribution of green ration cards to 10 lakh additional beneficiaries, and the creation of a manufacturing hub in Jharkhand.

The manifesto, released a day before the first phase of polling for 43 of the total 81 seats in the state, includes promises to increase free electricity from 200 to 250 units for the poor and to fill vacant government posts in a year. The Congress also pledged to repeal the previous BJP government's Land Bank Policy and strictly enforce laws protecting tribal lands, including the Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) Act, and the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act.

The Congress on Tuesday released its manifesto for the Jharkhand assembly elections, making key promises to attract voters, including 250 units of free electricity, caste-based census, and filling all vacant government posts within a year. The manifesto, unveiled by party manifesto committee chairman Bandhu Tirkey, also highlighted several other proposals, including the implementation of the 1932 Khatiyan-based domicile policy and the Sarna religious code for tribals.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has fielded Mahua Maji, a sitting Rajya Sabha MP, as its candidate for the Ranchi assembly seat. Maji, known for her historic achievement as the first woman from Jharkhand elected to the Rajya Sabha, will face BJP's CP Singh in the election. Maji, who holds a PhD in sociology, has been an active participant in parliamentary debates, particularly on energy issues, including the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022. She is also a member of the Parliamentarians’ Group for Clean Air.

The assembly constituency is seeing an intense contest between veteran rivals Banna Gupta of Congress and Saryu Roy of JDU. Gupta, the health and family welfare minister in the Congress government, has strengthened his support base by delivering several key development projects to the city. In contrast, Roy, who initially rose to prominence as a BJP member, gained fame for defeating former Chief Minister Raghubar Das in 2014, earning him the "giant killer" title. After parting ways with Das, Roy ran as an independent candidate from Jamshedpur East and emerged victorious.

JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya expresses confidence in the election results. He states, "We will receive full blessings, and there will be no shortage of love and support. We are confident of receiving votes from the people..."

A mock poll has begun at the polling booth in St. Anna Convent, Purulia Road, Ranchi. The mock poll is part of the final preparations to ensure the smooth functioning of the polling process ahead of the upcoming elections. It is being conducted to test the voting machines and verify the setup for the actual election day, ensuring everything is in place for a seamless voting experience.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Geeta Kora in the Jagannathpur constituency. Geeta Kora, the only Lok Sabha member from Jharkhand in the Congress party, switched to the BJP in February 2024, just ahead of the general elections. Prior to this, she and her husband, former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, had joined Congress before the 2019 general elections, where Geeta Kora secured a victory from the Chaibasa (West Singhbhum) Lok Sabha seat.

The Congress is placing its hopes on Ajoy Kumar to break a long-standing dry spell in the Jamshedpur (East) assembly segment, a seat it has not won since 1985. A former IPS officer-turned-politician, Ajoy Kumar, 62, is seen as the Congress party's strongest candidate in years. Kumar is leveraging his reputation as a tough and no-nonsense cop during his tenure as Superintendent of Police in Jamshedpur. He is facing BJP candidate Purnima Das Sahu, who is aiming to carry forward the legacy of her father-in-law, former Chief Minister Raghubar Das.

Seraikella constituency has been represented by Champai Soren since 2005. A six-time MLA, Soren served twice in Bihar and four times in Jharkhand. He is closely associated with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren, having played a pivotal role in the Jharkhand movement.

In January 2024, following the arrest of Hemant Soren, Champai Soren took over as chief minister, significantly raising the constituency's profile. However, in the upcoming election, Champai Soren is contesting as a BJP candidate, replacing Ganesh Mahli, who has switched to JMM.

Jharkhand has a total of 2.6 crore eligible voters, with 1.31 crore men and 1.29 crore women. Among them, 66.84 lakh voters are aged between 20 and 29, while 11.84 lakh are first-time voters aged 18 and 19.

In the first phase of polling in Jharkhand, Jamshedpur West will feature the highest number of candidates, with 28 individuals contesting the seat. In contrast, Jagannathpur will have the fewest candidates, with just eight nominees having filed their nominations.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), led by Hemant Soren, is navigating a challenging political landscape amid serious allegations of corruption and misconduct. The party’s core support base among the tribal community is at a critical juncture, with trust potentially eroding due to these charges. In response, the JMM has framed the legal actions against Soren as an affront to tribal dignity, aiming to consolidate support by portraying his situation as representative of broader issues faced by the community. A win in these elections could fortify the JMM's hold in Jharkhand, enabling it to counter the Opposition’s corruption-focused campaign. However, a loss might leave the party vulnerable, as ongoing cases against its leadership could impact its credibility and influence in the state.

Jharkhand's Chief Electoral Officer, K Ravi Kumar, stated early this morning, "Polling for the first phase will be held in 43 Assembly constituencies today. The preparations have been completed, and the administration is ready to conduct peaceful elections." He highlighted the efforts made to ensure secure voting, including setting up CCTV control for monitoring. Underscoring the importance of participation, Kumar reminded citizens, "Voting is not only a right but a big responsibility for every citizen."

For PM Modi, this election is more than a regional contest - it’s about reasserting the BJP’s sway across pivotal voter groups. His campaign has combined themes of development, tribal welfare, and promises to address illegal immigration, positioning the BJP as a defender of Jharkhand’s tribal heritage and social stability. Success in Jharkhand would not only secure the NDA as a key state but also signal a reassertion of PM Modi’s popularity and ability to counter the growing challenge posed by the INDIA bloc across northern India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on Jharkhand underscores its role as a crucial battleground in the NDA’s contest against the Congress-led INDIA bloc. The state has historically been central to the BJP's influence in the Hindi heartland, but the party’s diminished tally in the recent Lok Sabha elections has emboldened the Opposition’s momentum. Jharkhand presents a critical opportunity for Modi to reaffirm his leadership and appeal, particularly among the state's diverse demographic base, which includes tribal, Dalit, and OBC communities.

The BJP, out of power in Jharkhand for the last five years, is working hard to win back tribal support. The recent Lok Sabha elections were a wake-up call for the party, which saw its parliamentary seat tally drop to nine from twelve, underscoring the erosion of its tribal vote base. In response, the BJP has ramped up its campaign to address issues like tribal rights and illegal immigration, which it claims is altering the state's demographic composition.

Champai Soren, a long-standing JMM leader who recently switched sides to the BJP, has thrown his hat into the ring from the Saraikela constituency. His decision to part ways with the JMM and contest on a BJP ticket comes after a decades-long association with his former party, signaling a significant realignment in Jharkhand’s political landscape. For the BJP, Champai’s victory would be instrumental, as it aims to weaken the JMM’s influence and rebuild its base among the tribal communities, a critical demographic that has traditionally aligned with JMM-led coalitions.

For the JMM-led coalition, these elections represent not just a contest for governance but a chance to rally support against allegations and pressure from central agencies, which they claim have been wielded for political purposes. With welfare programs and promises such as increased reservation and financial support for women, Soren's campaign seeks to resonate with the tribal and rural communities who have traditionally supported the JMM. As he attempts to overcome the controversies surrounding his leadership, Soren’s bid to retain power will be closely watched by both allies and opponents within Jharkhand and across the national political landscape.

Hemant Soren, the JMM leader and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, is re-entering the political battlefield in these elections under intense scrutiny. Recently forced to step down amidst a money laundering investigation led by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Soren is facing the election as a critical opportunity to both clear his name and reassert his leadership in Jharkhand. The son of JMM founder Shibu Soren, Hemant aims to strengthen his position as the heir to his father's legacy and solidify his role as a significant power center in the state.

The BJP is focused on promises such as driving out infiltrators, implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), providing Rs 2,100 per month to women, and creating 5 lakh jobs. The JMM, countering the BJP’s "Gogo Didi" scheme, has promised Rs 2,500 per month for women, a 33% reservation for women in government jobs, and enhanced reservation for OBC, SC, and ST communities. It has also proposed a domicile policy based on 1932 records and the implementation of the Sarna Dharma Code.

This election pits the ruling JMM-led coalition, underscoring welfare schemes like the Maiyan Samman Yojana, against the BJP-led NDA, which has campaigned on issues such as corruption and infiltration. The BJP’s campaign has been marked by rallies led by top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and JMM’s Hemant Soren, meanwhile, have rallied on promises of expanded welfare and criticised the BJP-led central government’s alleged misuse of investigative agencies.

A total of 1.37 crore voters are eligible to vote in this phase, with 15,344 polling stations set up statewide—12,716 in rural and 2,628 in urban areas. Mock polls will begin at 5:30 a.m. Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar stated that preparations are complete, with 1,152 booths staffed by women and 24 by disabled personnel. Security efforts have led to the seizure of illegal materials worth Rs 208.78 crore, with 58 violations of the Model Code of Conduct recorded.

Currently, the Jharkhand Assembly has 74 active members, following some resignations and disqualifications. The ruling JMM-led alliance holds a total of 44 seats, with the JMM at 26, Congress at 17, and RJD at one seat, ensuring the coalition maintains a comfortable majority in the state legislature.

In the 2019 Jharkhand Assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) emerged as the largest party, winning 30 of the 81 seats. The JMM formed a government in coalition with the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), achieving a majority with a total of 47 seats. The BJP, which had previously held 37 seats in the 2014 Assembly, saw its seat count drop to 25 in 2019.

In Jharkhand's Jamshedpur West constituency, Health Minister and Congress candidate Banna Gupta is up against JDU leader Saryu Roy, known for his 2019 victory over then-Chief Minister Raghubar Das. In neighbouring Jamshedpur East, Congress candidate Ajoy Kumar faces BJP's Purnima Das, Raghubar Das's daughter-in-law.

In Jagannathpur, BJP candidate Geeta Koda, wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, is contesting against Congress's Sona Ram Sinku. Meanwhile, in Ranchi, BJP veteran CP Singh faces a challenge from JMM’s Mahua Maji, a current Rajya Sabha MP.

Key candidates in this phase include former Chief Minister Champai Soren, who recently joined the BJP, Congress leader and Health Minister Banna Gupta, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, Geeta Koda - wife of ex-Chief Minister Madhu Koda - and Purnima Das, the daughter-in-law of former Chief Minister Raghubar Das.