Polling for the 81-member Jharkhand legislative assembly began on Wednesday, November 13, with voting taking place across 43 constituencies. By 11 am, the voter turnout had reached approximately 29.31 percent across these 43 seats. The highest turnout by 9 am was recorded in Simdega at 15.09 percent, followed by Seraikela-Kharsawan at 14.62 percent, and Ranchi at 12.06 percent.
Polling for the 81-member Jharkhand Legislative Assembly began on Wednesday, November 13, with elections taking place across 43 constituencies in the first phase. These constituencies include 17 general seats, 20 reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and 6 for Scheduled Castes, with the remaining 38 seats set for voting in the second phase on November 20.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has implemented robust security measures, designating 950 polling booths across 31 constituencies as “sensitive.” The mock polls started at 5:30 AM, followed by the regular voting, which began at 7:00 AM and will continue until 5:00 PM, with voting at sensitive booths concluding at 4:00 PM.
A total of 638 candidates, including 73 women, are competing for the 43 seats in phase one. In the previous election, Hemant Soren’s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) secured 30 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 25, and Congress claimed 16 seats. A coalition of the JMM, Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) formed the government, with Hemant Soren continuing as Chief Minister.
According to Utkarsh Kumar, the Returning Officer for the Ranchi constituency, “All basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and web-casting facilities are available at polling stations. Security arrangements are in place with CAPF deployed, and all rules and regulations set by the Election Commission are being strictly followed.”
The BJP-led NDA has outlined 25 promises in its manifesto, including a commitment to “drive out infiltrators” from Bangladesh and the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), along with safeguarding the identities of tribal communities.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which is part of the ruling alliance, has promised 33% reservation for women in government jobs, as well as focusing on key sectors such as education, agriculture, and tribal rights. Meanwhile, Congress has pledged 250 units of free electricity, a caste-based census, and filling all vacant government posts within a year. Both parties are part of the INDIA bloc, which also includes the RJD and CPI(ML).
• Check The LIVE Updates Here:
Nov 13, 2024 · 21:41PM
पहले चरण में शांतिपूर्ण मतदान के लिए सभी मतदाताओं को धन्यवाद।@ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI pic.twitter.com/NDC02ZF0wV
— Chief Electoral Officer, Jharkhand (@ceojharkhand) November 13, 2024
Nov 13, 2024 · 19:19PM
District-wise voting percentage till 5 PM
Lohardaga: 73.21 per cent
Hazaribag: 59.13 per cent
Seraikela–Kharsawan: 72.19 per cent
Gumla: 69.01 per cent
Simdega: 68.66 per cent
Khunti: 68.36 per cent
Garhwa: 67.35 per cent
Latehar: 67.16 per cent
West Singhbhum: 66.87
Ramgarh: 66.32 per cent
East Singhbhum: 64.87 per cent
Chatra: 63.26 per cent
Palamu: 62.62 per cent
Koderma: 62 per cent
Ranchi: 60.49 per cent
Nov 13, 2024 · 17:59PM
Voter Turnout Reaches 64.86% By 5 PM
As of 5 PM, the Election Commission of India reported a voter turnout of 64.86% in the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections. The participation reflects a strong engagement from the electorate, with several constituencies showing significant voter activity throughout the day.
#JharkhandAssemblyElection2024 | Jharkhand (Phase-1) recorded 64.86% voter turnout till 5 pm, as per the Election Commission of India. pic.twitter.com/dcJwRE5njl
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2024
Nov 13, 2024 · 17:25PM
EVMs Sealed After First Phase Of Polling
At the conclusion of the first phase of voting in East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are being securely sealed at a polling booth.
#WATCH | East Singhbhum, Jharkhand: At the end of the first phase of polling, EVMs are being sealed at a polling booth pic.twitter.com/s7E5yBS0AM
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2024
Nov 13, 2024 · 17:10PM
Himanta Biswa Sarma Stresses BJP’s Commitment
Assam Chief Minister and BJP Jharkhand co-incharge, Himanta Biswa Sarma, stated, “Our election manifesto was not created hastily. We drew inspiration from the governance models of BJP-led states, consulted with the people of Jharkhand, and held extensive discussions for 4-5 months before finalizing it. Financial resources will not be an issue for us in Jharkhand, as the state is rich in natural resources. While the JMM aims to keep Jharkhand trapped in poverty, the state has the potential to become the most prosperous in the country.”
Nov 13, 2024 · 16:24PM
Seraikella-Kharsawan Leads With 66.38%
In the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, voter turnout reached 59.28% by 3 pm, according to the Election Commission of India. As of that time, the Seraikella-Kharsawan constituency reported the highest turnout at 66.38%, followed by Lohardaga at 65.99% and Simdega at 64.31%.
Nov 13, 2024 · 16:09PM
During a rally in Jharkhand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “I am here to extend an invitation to all of you. The swearing-in ceremony of the BJP-NDA will occur shortly after the election results on the 23rd. I invite you to join us for this occasion.”
Nov 13, 2024 · 15:17PM
Former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, along with his wife Sakshi, have arrived to cast his vote at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi.
Nov 13, 2024 · 14:55PM
“The stature of women and daughters is very high in our culture. But here, Congress leaders abuse our sisters, they said so many objectional words against Sita Soren. From where do they get the courage to do this? They know nothing will happen to them as they have protection from the JMM govt. This is the reason Congress leaders insult tribal daughters. When the BJP decided to make a tribal daughter the President of India, Congress tried its best to defeat her. Even today they insult President Murmu,” PM Modi says, according to ANI.
Nov 13, 2024 · 14:53PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Jharkhand, said, “Wherever I’ve traveled across the state, the biggest concern has been infiltration. According to available data, the tribal population in Santhal has halved. We must protect our tribal families and all Jharkhandis from this threat. There is a massive conspiracy underway to change the identity of Jharkhand.”
He further criticized the JMM-Congress alliance, saying, “Under the JMM-Congress rule, every wrong action was taken to make these infiltrators permanent residents in the state. They have taken your jobs and your livelihoods. The JMM government even admitted in court that there has been infiltration in the state. The protection of ‘roti, beti, and maati’ is the most important issue in this election. I assure you that the BJP will safeguard them.”
Nov 13, 2024 · 14:53PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a rally in Deoghar’s Sarath, stating, “To those doing political calculations from their AC rooms, the results of this election are evident right here,” as reported by ANI.
Nov 13, 2024 · 14:21 PM
Nov 13, 2024 · 14:19 PM
Jharkhand Election 2024 Live Updates: BJP’s Geeta Koda Promises to Open Mines for Employment Generation
BJP candidate Geeta Koda, wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, stated that her top priority would be to open the mines in the region to boost employment. She is contesting against Congress leader Sona Ram Sinku in the Jagannathpur constituency.
Nov 13, 2024 · 13:19 PM
Odisha Governor and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, along with his family, cast their votes at a polling station in Jamshedpur. His daughter-in-law, Purnima Das Sahu, is contesting the Jamshedpur East Assembly seat, a stronghold of the BJP-led NDA, previously represented by Das, who served as the MLA for four terms. Purnima is facing competition from Congress candidate Ajoy Kumar in the race for this seat.
Nov 13, 2024 · 12:53 AM
In the first phase of voting, Jamshedpur West has the highest number of candidates, with 28 nominees, while Jagannathpur has the fewest, with only eight candidates contesting.
Nov 13, 2024 · 12:37 AM
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that “the conspiracies of the opposition will come to an end” as he cast his vote and urged the public to vote in large numbers to “strengthen democracy” in the country.
Nov 13, 2024 · 11:46 AM
BJP candidate Champai Soren highlighted that the key issues in the 2024 Jharkhand election are “Bangladeshi infiltration, unemployment, and irrigation.”
“We need to protect the land of Sidho-Kanho and Santhal from Bangladeshi infiltrators… There’s no doubt that the BJP will form the next government in Jharkhand,” Soren told ANI.
Nov 13, 2024 · 11:18 AM
Nov 13, 2024 · 10:47 AM
Congress candidate Ajoy Kumar, contesting from Jamshedpur East, expressed that the party is receiving “positive feedback” from across the state.
Kumar is up against BJP candidate Purnima Das Sahu, who is seeking to uphold the legacy of her father-in-law, former chief minister Raghubar Das.
“We are battling against the 30-year-long dominance of a family here, and we will continue to fight this battle,” said Kumar, a former IPS officer-turned-politician.
Nov 13, 2024 · 10:09 AM
In the first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections on Wednesday, voter turnout reached nearly 13.04 percent by 9 am across 43 constituencies, according to officials. Simdega recorded the highest turnout at 15.09 percent, followed by Seraikela-Kharsawan with 14.62 percent, and Ranchi at 12.06 percent. Long lines of voters were seen outside numerous polling booths this morning.
Nov 13, 2024 · 09:16 AM
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh voted at a polling station in Ranchi. In an interview with ANI, he stated, “Voting is the foundation of a democracy. Through elections, we elect our representatives, who then work for the betterment of society and the nation. We must strive to fulfill the aspirations for which Jharkhand was created. We are still a long way from realizing that dream.”
Nov 13, 2024 · 08:38 AM
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called on all voters in Jharkhand to participate in the election to “reinforce and empower” democracy and the Constitution. In a post on X, Kharge emphasized that the people of Jharkhand should vote for social justice, inclusive development, good governance, and the protection of water, forests, land, and tribal heritage, while ensuring that divisive forces are kept out of the state.
Nov 13, 2024 · 08:13 AM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged the people of Jharkhand to cast their votes with “great enthusiasm” in the first phase of the assembly elections. In a post on X, he stated, “Today marks the first round of voting in the Jharkhand assembly elections. I urge all voters to participate wholeheartedly in this festival of democracy. My heartfelt congratulations to all the young first-time voters! Remember—vote first, then enjoy refreshments!”
Nov 13, 2024 · 08:03 AM
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate Mahua Maji urged voters to come out in large numbers. In an interview with ANI, Maji said, “I request everyone to vote for me. My goal is to bring development. Currently, Ranchi doesn’t resemble a capital, and I want to transform it into one. I bring experience from various sectors to the table.”
Nov 13, 2024 · 07:46 AM
Nov 13, 2024 · 06:03 AM
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for pledging a caste census if the party gains power, alleging that Congress is deceiving the public. Singh questioned why Congress did not implement a caste census during its decades in power.
During a rally in Khunti, Singh also remarked that Jharkhand’s law and order situation has deteriorated, blaming illegal immigration from Bangladesh, which he claimed has been encouraged by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
Nov 12, 2024 · 05:11 PM
Jharkhand Chief Election Officer Provides Update Ahead of Polling
Ahead of tomorrow’s first phase of polling in Jharkhand, Chief Election Officer K Ravi Kumar shared key details about the process. “Polling will take place in 15 districts and 43 constituencies,” he said. “Polling parties have been dispatched, and security measures have been put in place at all booths.”
#WATCH | Ranchi: On the first phase of polling tomorrow, Jharkhand Chief Election Officer K Ravi Kumar says, “There is polling in 15 districts and 43 constituencies. Polling parties have been dispatched… Security arrangements on all booths have been made…” pic.twitter.com/StlzmMvyWB
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2024
Nov 12, 2024 · 01:45 PM
GPS-Tracked Vehicles To Transport Polling Teams To 374 Booths
Ahead of the first phase of Assembly elections tomorrow, polling parties have begun gathering to collect election materials, according to Utkarsh Kumar, the Returning Officer for the Ranchi Assembly constituency. “Polling parties for all 374 booths have assembled here to receive the necessary materials. They will then head to their assigned booths in GPS-tracked vehicles. The mock poll will commence at 5:30 am, followed by the start of voting. All essential facilities, including drinking water, restrooms, and webcasting services, are available at each polling station. We have completed all preparations, and security, along with CAPF personnel, has been deployed at the polling stations. We are ensuring full compliance with the Election Commission’s guidelines,” Kumar stated.
#WATCH | Jharkhand | On dispatch of polling parties ahead of voting in the first phase of Assembly elections tomorrow, Returning Officer for Ranchi Assembly constituency, Utkarsh Kumar says, “Polling parties for all 374 polling booths have gathered here to collect polling… pic.twitter.com/fJ9ptfxtfX
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2024
