Ranchi, Jharkhand – In a significant turnout for the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly Elections, the state has recorded a remarkable voting percentage of over 67%, surpassing Maharashtra's 58.22%. The voting for the second and final phase commenced early this morning and is set to continue until 5 PM at various polling stations across the state. A total of 528 candidates are vying for 38 seats in this crucial phase, with voting taking place at 14,218 polling stations, including 239 designated for women. As of 5 PM, the turnout stood at an impressive 67.59%, reflecting the electorate's engagement in this pivotal democratic process. Security measures have been stringent at all polling stations, with over 1.23 crore registered voters prepared to cast their ballots. There are 18 seats in Santhal Pargana, 18 in North Chotanagpur, and 2 in South Chotanagpur up for grabs in this phase.
Controversy Arises Amid Voting
However, the election process has not been without controversy. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey lodged a complaint with the Election Commission regarding alleged misconduct by a presiding officer at booth number 111 in Madhupur assembly constituency. Dubey accused the officer of showing bias towards the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) candidate, Hafizul Hasan. Following the complaint, the Election Commission acted swiftly, leading to the arrest of the presiding officer. As the ruling JMM-Congress alliance faces off against BJP and the All Jharkhand Students Union Party, Chief Minister Hemant Soren is contesting against BJP's Gamaliel Hembrom in Barhet, while his wife, Kalpana Soren, is up against BJP's Munia Devi in Gande. Political heavyweight Babulal Marandi is contesting the Dhanwar seat against CPI-L's Rajkumar Yadav, and Sita Soren, daughter-in-law of veteran politician Shibu Soren, faces off against Congress's Irfan Ansari in Jamtara.
Prioritizing Development and Rights
In a statement, Chief Minister Soren criticized the BJP for neglecting Jharkhand's share of Rs 1.36 lakh crore from the development fund, emphasizing that the lack of funds has hindered essential infrastructure projects such as flyovers, schools, and social welfare schemes. Soren appealed to the electorate, stressing that the fight for their rights is crucial for the future of Jharkhand. Amidst heightened political tensions, the BJP expressed optimism about the elections. Amarkumar Bauri, the BJP candidate from Chandankiyari, proclaimed, "This is a morning of hope for Jharkhand," asserting confidence in securing an absolute majority.
Resistance to Maoist Boycotts
During the first phase of voting, calls for a boycott by Maoist factions were met with resistance, as voters in Naxal-affected West Singhbhum district turned out to vote despite threats. Security forces successfully thwarted attempts to disrupt the polling process, showcasing the electorate's determination. As the votes are counted and results revealed, all eyes will be on this pivotal election. Will the ruling alliance maintain its grip on power, or will the BJP rise to prominence in Jharkhand's political landscape? The exit polls will soon offer insights into the electorate's sentiments and expectations for the future.
