Jharkhand Election 2024 Live: BJP predicts victory in 33 seats as Jharkhand wraps up Phase 1 voting

Jharkhand Voting Phase 1 Live: The first phase of Jharkhand's assembly elections, held on Wednesday, saw a strong turnout of 64.86% across 43 assembly constituencies by 5 pm, surpassing the 63.9% turnout recorded in the 2019 elections, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Voting, which began at 7 am, proceeded peacefully without any violence reported. The Election Commission confirmed that polling concluded smoothly with a high level of enthusiasm and a festive atmosphere across districts with large tribal populations, including areas historically affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). Voters from various groups—including first-time voters, the elderly, women, persons with disabilities, and tribal communities—actively participated in the election process across 15 districts, undeterred by threats or boycott calls.

A notable highlight of the elections was the voter turnout in previously extremist-affected areas like Budha Pahad in Garhwa district, where residents were able to vote in their village for the first time, signaling a strengthened democratic process. Similarly, in Potka AC of East Singhbhum district, a 100% tribal village, Lakhaidih, had a polling station set up within the village itself for the first time, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances through challenging terrain.

Simultaneously, bypolls took place in 31 assembly constituencies across 10 states, including the Wayanad parliamentary constituency in Kerala. In Sikkim, two assembly constituencies were uncontested.

The Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, maintained vigilance over more than 15,000 polling stations, ensuring transparency through webcasting at each site. Despite boycott calls and threat posters in regions like Manoharpur and Jaganathpur in West Singhbhum district, voters defied these pressures and exercised their democratic rights.

Jharkhand’s Chief Electoral Officer, K Ravi Kumar, reported that all complaints were promptly addressed, and polling concluded peacefully. Provisional turnout data of 64.86% will be updated through the Voter Turnout App as results come in from polling stations, depending on logistics and geographical factors.

Ahead of the elections, the ECI ensured complete voter registration for the 1.78 lakh members of eight Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Jharkhand. Polling stations across the state were decorated with Jharkhand’s cultural themes and equipped with basic facilities like drinking water, first aid, ramps, and wheelchairs.

The BJP-led NDA is competing to unseat the ruling JMM-led coalition, with notable candidates including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, former CM Champai Soren, JMM leader Mahua Maji, and Congress leader Ajoy Kumar. Commenting on the turnout, former Jharkhand Congress President Rajesh Thakur stated that rural voters favored the INDIA bloc, while the BJP’s focus remains on urban areas.

The remaining 38 seats will vote on November 20, with results scheduled for release on November 23.