Polling for the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections kicked off at 7 AM today, covering 43 seats across 15 districts. Voting will continue until 5 PM, with the exception of 950 sensitive booths where polling will close at 4 PM. A total of 683 candidates, including several prominent figures, are in the fray, competing to secure their position in the state’s political landscape. Former Chief Minister Champai Soren, Congress leader Ajoy Kumar, and Geeta Koda are among the key contenders. Voters will choose representatives who will steer Jharkhand’s legislative direction for the next term.

Security and Arrangements
To ensure a smooth and secure voting process, extensive arrangements have been made, with five companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) stationed at polling centers. Facilities like drinking water, toilets, and web-casting have been made available at all polling stations. Mock polling began at 5:30 AM, and polling officials, along with security personnel, are on high alert to maintain order throughout the day.

Major Contests
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition, which currently holds power, is seeking re-election, banking on the popularity of welfare schemes such as the Maiyan Samman Yojna. In contrast, the BJP-led NDA is campaigning on promises of curbing infiltration and corruption and implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). BJP’s former Chief Minister Champai Soren is vying for the Seraikella seat, while Congress leader Ajoy Kumar faces off against Purnima Das Sahu, daughter-in-law of former CM Raghubar Das, in Jamshedpur East. Another high-profile contest is in Jaganathpur, where BJP’s Geeta Koda, wife of former CM Madhu Koda, is up against Congress’s Sona Ram Sinku.

Key Candidates and Parties
The JMM coalition has fielded 23 candidates in this phase, with Congress and RJD contributing 17 and five candidates, respectively. The BJP, the main opposition party, has nominated 36 candidates, and JD(U) and BSP have also put forward candidates in select seats. Notable candidates include former CM Champai Soren, his son Babulal Soren, Meera Munda (wife of former CM Arjun Munda), and Purnima Sahu.

PM Modi and Other Leaders Urge Voters to Participate
Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged citizens to vote in high numbers, referring to the election as a "festival of democracy." JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya also expressed confidence, stating that their coalition expects to receive “full blessings” from the people.

High Stakes and Election Promises
This election holds significant stakes for both the ruling coalition and the opposition. The NDA has pledged a UCC, ₹2,100 per month for women, and five lakh job opportunities for the youth, alongside strong anti-infiltration measures. The JMM coalition, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is campaigning to retain its mandate, focusing on social welfare policies and public schemes aimed at improving the quality of life for Jharkhand’s citizens.

2024 Jharkhand Elections: Phases and Key Details
Today’s vote covers 43 of the 81 Assembly seats in Jharkhand. The second phase of voting is scheduled for November 20, and counting will take place on November 23. In 2019, the JMM-Congress-RJD coalition won a majority with 47 seats, while the BJP secured 25 seats, down from 37 in 2014. The current election results could reshape the political scenario, particularly as parties like the BJP aim to regain control in Jharkhand.

Additional Polls in Other States
Simultaneously, several by-elections are underway across 31 assembly seats in 10 states, including key seats in Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and Kerala. The Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala is also holding a by-election today, putting Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to the test in her constituency.

As voting continues in Jharkhand, all eyes remain on the outcome of these high-stakes contests, where issues of governance, economic policies, and regional security have taken center stage. The election results, expected on November 23, will reveal whether Jharkhand voters endorse continuity with the JMM-led alliance or shift towards the NDA’s promises of development and reform.