The first phase of assembly elections in Jharkhand began on Wednesday at 7 a.m., covering 43 of the state’s 81 constituencies.
By 9 a.m., voter turnout stood at 13.04 percent, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Simdega district recorded the highest turnout at 15.09 percent, followed by Lohardaga and Koderma at 14.97percent, each. The state capital, Ranchi, saw a turnout of 12.06 percent,, while Palamu registered a slightly lower figure of 11.84 percent,. East Singhbhum recorded the lowest turnout at 11.25%.
Union Minister Annapurna Devi, who voted in Koderma, encouraged the public to participate in the “great festival of democracy.” Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, casting his vote in Ranchi, urged citizens to elect leaders who will “achieve the dreams that led to the formation of Jharkhand.” Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar also cast his vote, urging people to vote “wisely” and turn out in large numbers.
This first phase will determine the fate of 683 candidates, including 73 women. The BJP-led NDA is aiming to unseat the JMM-led coalition, with key candidates such as former Chief Minister Champai Soren and Congress leader Ajoy Kumar in the fray.
Soren is contesting from Seraikela, while Ajoy Kumar (Congress) is vying for a seat in Jamshedpur East, where he faces Purnima Das Sahu, daughter-in-law of former Chief Minister Raghubar Das. BJP’s Geeta Koda, wife of ex-Chief Minister Madhu Koda, is challenging Congress’s Sona Ram Sinku in Jaganathpur. JMM has fielded sitting Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji from Ranchi.
