Voting for the two-phase assembly elections in Jharkhand will conclude on November 20 and the results will be declared on November 23.
After the voting wraps up in Jharkhand, the focus will immediately shift to the exit poll predictions released by various media outlets.
The predictions will give an indication of who may form the next government in Jharkhand.
Complete coverage of Jharkhand assembly elections 2024
In the run up to the polls, the opinion polls predicted that the BJP-led alliance is likely to wrest power from the ruling JMM-Congress combine.
When are Jharkhand exit polls?
The Election Commission, in its notification, prohibited the release of exit poll predictions until after voting concludes in both Jharkhand and Maharashtra.
Thus, the exit poll predictions are expected to be released shortly after 6pm (Wednesday).
In its notification, the poll panel said: “In exercise of the powers under sub-Section (1) of Section 126A of the R.P. Act, 1951, the Election Commission, having regard to the provisions of Sub-Section (2) of the said Section, hereby notifies the period between 7.00 A.M. on 13.11.2024 (Wednesday) and 6.30 P.M. on 20.11.2024 (Wednesday) as the period during which conducting and publishing or publicizing exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or dissemination in any other manner whatsoever, the result of any exit poll in connection with the aforesaid General and bye-elections, shall be prohibited."
Jharkhand is witnessing a keen clash between the JMM-Congress led alliance in the BJP-led NDA.
The JMM-Congress alliance is hoping to retain power by banking on the achievements of the Soren government and solidifying support from tribal voters. BJP is hoping to make a comeback in the state after a strong show in Haryana. The saffron party is going all out to woo the tribal voters in the state and PM Modi is personally spearheading BJP's campaign in the crucial state.
The state witnessed political turmoil earlier this year after chief minister Hemant Soren was forced to resign due to his conviction and incarceration in a money laundering case. JMM appointed Champai Soren as the chief minister during his absence. The Champai Soren government managed to survive a floor test shortly after Hemant's arrest. However, Champai had to vacate the CM's chair after Hemant was released on bail. This caused some tensions in the party which ended in Champai jumping ship to BJP.
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