Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens in Jharkhand to vote with enthusiasm in the ongoing assembly elections. In a post on social media platform X, Modi encouraged voters to actively take part in the “festival of democracy” on the first day of polling. He also extended special congratulations to first-time voters, adding humorously, “Remember – first vote, then refreshment!”
Polling for the first phase began at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, with voters across 43 constituencies in 15 districts casting their ballots. The election will determine the fate of 683 candidates, including 73 women.
Ahead of the election, mock voting was conducted at various polling stations, and visuals showed long queues of voters, including many women. Extensive security measures have been put in place for the elections, which will run until 5:00 PM, with polling at 950 sensitive booths concluding at 4:00 PM.
Over 200 security forces have been deployed to ensure a smooth and secure election process.
The BJP-led NDA is challenging the JMM-led coalition, with prominent candidates like former Chief Minister Champai Soren (BJP) in Seraikela, and Congress leader Ajoy Kumar in Jamshedpur East, facing off against Purnima Das Sahu, daughter-in-law of former CM Raghubar Das. BJP’s Geeta Koda, wife of former CM Madhu Koda, is contesting against Congress’ Sona Ram Sinku in Jaganathpur. The JMM has fielded sitting Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji from Ranchi.
Voting for the remaining 38 constituencies will take place on November 20, with the results scheduled for November 23. In the last assembly elections, JMM won 30 seats, BJP secured 25, and Congress took 16.