Ranchi, November 13: The first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections has recorded a voter turnout of 59.28% as of 3 PM, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Seraikella-Kharsawan constituency leads with a high turnout of 66.38%, closely followed by Lohardaga at 65.99% and Simdega at 64.31%. However, the capital city of Ranchi marked the lowest participation at 53.40%.
Additional turnout figures include Palamu at 56.57%, Ramgarh at 59.22%, Khunti at 63.35%, and Gumla at 64.59%. Other districts like West Singhbhum, Latehar, Garhwa, East Singhbhum, and Hazaribagh reported turnouts between 57% and 62%.
Voting began on Wednesday morning across 43 of Jharkhand’s 81 assembly seats. Security measures have been heightened, with Jharkhand Police deploying drones for surveillance in Ranchi.
Notably, former cricket captain MS Dhoni cast his vote in Ranchi, urging citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, after casting his vote, appealed to the people of Jharkhand to contribute to the strengthening of democracy.
Former Chief Minister Madhu Koda expressed confidence in the BJP-NDA’s prospects, claiming that public sentiment favors a shift from the JMM-Congress government, which he criticized for its handling of employment, agricultural prices, and inactive mining operations. BJP leader Jayant Sinha, among others, encouraged voters to elect candidates dedicated to public service and regional development.
The BJP-led NDA coalition is striving to reclaim power from the JMM-led alliance, with prominent candidates such as CM Hemant Soren, former CM Champai Soren, JMM’s Mahua Maji, and Congress’s Ajoy Kumar contesting in this election. Voting for the remaining 38 seats will occur on November 20, with the vote count scheduled for November 23.
