Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024 Phase 1 Voting Highlights: The first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, covering 43 seats, recorded a voter turnout of 66.87% by 5 pm on Wednesday. These constituencies are primarily located in the tribal-dominated regions of South Chotanagpur, northern Palamu, and Kolhan. Among the seats up for grabs today, 20 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and six for Scheduled Castes (SCs). Two key constituencies, Chatra and Simaria, are located in the state’s most backward district, Chatra.
The Jharkhand elections shaped up as a two-way contest between the BJP-led NDA and the INDIA alliance. Key candidates in this phase included former Chief Minister Champai Soren, contesting from Seraikella; sitting Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, running from Ranchi; and Congress Health Minister Banna Gupta, who faced a tough challenge from JD(U) leader Saryu Roy, known for defeating then-Chief Minister Raghubar Das in 2019.
Meanwhile, bypolls were also held across several states, including Kerala, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. Kerala’s Wayanad witnessed the electoral debut of Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi.
Jharkhand Election 2024 Voting Highlights: Follow Financial Express for the live coverage of Jharkhand Election 2024 Phase 1 Voting and more election-related updates.
Jharkhand Election Voting Live Updates: Voter turnout at 66.87% till 5 pm
Jharkhand saw an overall voter turnout of 66.87 per cent till 5 pm during the first phase of voting for 43 seats, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI) data.
Jharkhand Elections 2024: PM Modi flags ‘alarming’ infiltration in state
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday raised concerns over what he described as "alarming" infiltration levels in Jharkhand, accusing the JMM-led coalition government of supporting infiltrators and compromising the state’s resources and security. Speaking at a campaign rally in Godda, Modi alleged that infiltration poses a threat to the state’s “beti, mati, and roti” (daughter, mother, and bread), and blamed the ruling coalition for allowing non-residents to encroach on tribal lands, forests, and water resources, leading to a decline in the tribal population.
Modi also criticised the state’s ‘Abua Awas’ housing initiative, which was launched as an alternative to the central PM Awas Yojana, labeling it a “farzi” or “fake” scheme meant for “cut money and commission.” He claimed that Jharkhand’s residents were left with minimal benefit from the state-led program, alleging corruption in its implementation.
Under the JMM-led coalition, there is an environment of mafia raj, question paper leaks, stalled development, and high migration rates, Modi said, accusing the government of creating conditions that force people into unemployment and poor connectivity.
Jharkhand Elections 2024 Live: Himanta Biswa Sarma says BJP’s manifesto reflects state’s potential, slams JMM
Assam Chief Minister and BJP Jharkhand co-incharge Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday emphasised that the BJP’s election manifesto for Jharkhand was developed over months of consultations, inspired by the governance models of BJP-led states, and informed by feedback from Jharkhand’s residents.
"Money won't be a problem for us in Jharkhand. The state has been blessed with natural resources... JMM wants to keep Jharkhand in the clutches of poverty, but it has the potential to be the most prosperous state of the country..." he said.
Jharkhand Elections 2024 Voting Live: Only third gender candidate casts vote, hopes to win
Nagma Rani, the only transgender candidate in the first phase of Jharkhand polls, cast her vote on Wednesday and expressed optimism about gaining voters' support to secure a win.
The 35-year-old is running for the Hatia assembly seat, competing against BJP’s Navin Jaiswal and Congress’ Ajay Nath Shahdeo. After casting her vote at Booth No. 64 in Don Bosco School, Hesag, Ranchi district, Rani shared, “I have exercised my vote and hope to win the election.”
Reflecting on her campaign, she added, "I was surprised to see the support of people during the campaign. I hope the support will go in my favour."
Jharkhand Elections 2024 Live Updates: PM Modi accuses JMM, Congress and RJD of blocking housing scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of obstructing central housing schemes aimed at benefiting women in Jharkhand.
"For the past few years, the sisters here have been telling me that Modiji, the schemes that you bring for us are looted by the JMM, Congress and RJD people here. I have given money for pucca houses in the name of lakhs of sisters of Jharkhand. I send that money directly to the sisters' accounts. But the government here is not letting you get this pucca house. She has come up with some fake scheme of her own so that her people can get a cut-commission in it," PM Modi said.
Jharkhand Election 2024 Live Updates: Constituency-wise voter turnout till 3 pm
The overall voter turnout stood at 59.28 per cent till 3 pm during the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly election. According to the Election Commission data, here’s the constituency-wise voter turnout –
1. Chatra – 58.23%
2. Simaria – 60.05%
3. Baharagora – 70.10%
4. Ghatsila – 69.44%
5. Jamshedpur East – 48.50%
6. Jamshedpur West – 47.81%
7. Jugsalai – 62.98%
8. Potka – 61.12%
9. Bhawanathpur – 61.39%
10. Garhwa – 60.71%
11. Bishunpur – 65.44%
12. Gumla – 61.56%
13. Sisai – 66.53%
14. Barhi – 59.30%
15. Barkatha – 58.10%
16. Hazaribagh – 54.71%
17. Khunti – 63.49%
18. Torpa – 63.20%
19. Kodarma – 58.13%
20. Latehar – 63.70%
21. Manika – 61.76%
22. Lohardaga – 65.99%
23. Bishrampur – 56.43%
24. Chhatarpur – 56.29%
25. Daltonganj – 56.93%
26. Hussainabad – 54.93%
27. Panki – 58.64%
28. Barkagaon – 59.22%
29. Hatia – 51.09%
30. Kanke – 53.30%
31. Mandar – 64.77%
32. Ranchi – 44.25%
33. Tamar – 55.28%
34. Ichagarh – 67.30%
35. Kharsawan – 69.77%
36. Seraikella – 63.57%
37. Kolebira – 64.78%
38. Simdega – 63.91%
39. Chaibasa – 60.51%
40. Chakradharpur – 60.17%
41. Jaganathpur – 59.51%
42. Majhgaon – 62.51%
43. Manoharpur – 58.67%
Jharkhand Election Voting Live Updates: Voter turnout at 59.28% till 3 pm
Jharkhand saw an overall voter turnout of 59.28 per cent till 3 pm during the first phase of voting for 43 seats, Seraikella-Kharsawan leads with 66.38 pc turnout according to the Election Commission of India (ECI) data.
Jharkhand Elections 2024 Voting Live Updates: MS Dhoni casts his vote in Ranchi | WATCH
Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni exercised his democratic right by casting his vote at a polling booth in Ranchi.
#watch | Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni casts his vote at a polling booth in Ranchi to cast his vote for #jharkhandassemblyelections2024 pic.twitter.com/kc0xYDoR6m
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2024
Jharkhand Election Voting Live Updates: Manickam Tagore says 'INDIA bloc headed for huge victory'
Congress leader Manickam Tagore exuded confidence in INDIA bloc’s victory in Jharkhand Assembly elections. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress are contesting the state elections in alliance.
He told PTI, “People of Jharkhand have decided to vote for the INDIA alliance. We all know that PM Modi, HM Shah, Himanta Sarma tried to divide the people on faith issues, and illusionary issues, but the welfare schemes, and the narrative of INDIA alliance has resonated with the people of Jharkhand, and we are heading for a huge victory."
The overall voter turnout stood at 46.25 per cent till 1 pm during the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly election. According to the Election Commission data, here’s the constituency-wise voter turnout –
1. Chatra – 44.39%
2. Simaria – 47.32%
3. Baharagora – 53.86%
4. Ghatsila – 53.87%
5. Jamshedpur East – 36.92%
6. Jamshedpur West – 35.93%
7. Jugsalai – 47.70%
8. Potka – 47.27%
9. Bhawanathpur – 46.48%
10. Garhwa – 47.03%
11. Bishunpur – 51.95%
12. Gumla – 50.71%
13. Sisai – 53.59%
14. Barhi – 48.80%
15. Barkatha – 46.80%
16. Hazaribagh – 42.56%
17. Khunti – 50.77%
18. Torpa – 52.05%
19. Kodarma – 47.33%
20. Latehar – 50.32%
21. Manika – 50.51%
22. Lohardaga – 51.53%
23. Bishrampur – 43.98%
24. Chhatarpur – 44.69%
25. Daltonganj – 43.23%
26. Hussainabad – 43.53%
27. Panki – 44.77%
28. Barkagaon – 46.81%
29. Hatia – 39%
30. Kanke – 41.66%
31. Mandar – 46.62%
32. Ranchi – 33.65%
33. Tamar – 47.12%
34. Ichagarh – 50.42%
35. Kharsawan – 53.68%
36. Seraikella – 49.10%
37. Kolebira – 52.02%
38. Simdega – 49.48%
39. Chaibasa – 47.01%
40. Chakradharpur – 46.30%
41. Jaganathpur – 46.91%
42. Majhgaon – 48.65%
43. Manoharpur – 43.24%
Jharkhand Election Voting Live Updates: Voter turnout at 46.25% till 1 pm
Jharkhand saw an overall voter turnout of 46.25 per cent till 1 pm during the first phase of voting for 43 seats, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI) data.
Jharkhand Election 2024 Live Updates: Hemant Soren, wife Kalpana Soren vote in Ranchi
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren have cast their votes at a polling station in Ranchi on Wednesday as the first phase of the two-phased polling in the Assembly began this morning.
After voting, Hemant Soren appealed to every person in Jharkhand to cast their vote to strengthen the democracy of the country.
Hemant Soren is contesting the election from Barhait Assembly Constituency, which will go to polls in the second phase, on November 20. (PTI)
Jharkhand Assembly Elections Live: 'Vote to strengthen Constitution', says Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mentioned the seven poll promises made by INDIA bloc as he appealed people in Jharkhand to exercise their franchise.
In a post on X, he said, “Brothers and sisters of Jharkhand, today the first phase of voting is taking place in your area. I appeal to all the voters to cast your vote to protect your rights and strengthen the Constitution and democracy. Your every vote for INDIA will bring prosperity in your life through 7 guarantees – protect water, forest and land and empower social justice.”
Jharkhand Assembly elections Live: Constituency-wise voter turnout till 11 am
The overall voter turnout stood at 29.31 per cent till 11 am during the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly election. According to the Election Commission data, here’s the constituency-wise voter turnout –
1. Chatra – 28.35%
2. Simaria – 30.84%
3. Baharagora – 33.97%
4. Ghatsila – 32.15%
5. Jamshedpur East – 23.30%
6. Jamshedpur West – 22.29%
7. Jugsalai – 30.89%
8. Potka – 31.02%
9. Bhawanathpur – 31.09%
10. Garhwa – 29.63%
11. Bishunpur – 32.68%
12. Gumla – 34.01%
13. Sisai – 34.98%
14. Barhi – 31.60%
15. Barkatha – 30.40%
16. Hazaribagh – 27.38%
17. Khunti – 33.87%
18. Torpa – 34.40%
19. Kodarma – 31.10%
20. Latehar – 32.25%
21. Manika – 28.62%
22. Lohardaga – 33.44%
23. Bishrampur – 28.26%
24. Chhatarpur – 28.71%
25. Daltonganj – 27.55%
26. Hussainabad – 28.51%
27. Panki – 28.96%
28. Barkagaon – 24.17%
29. Hatia – 25.80%
30. Kanke – 25.37%
31. Mandar – 30.98%
32. Ranchi – 17.85%
33. Tamar – 22%
34. Ichagarh – 31.48%
35. Kharsawan – 34.93%
36. Seraikella – 32.16%
37. Kolebira – 33.67%
38. Simdega – 32.75%
39. Chaibasa – 31.02%
40. Chakradharpur – 28.12%
41. Jaganathpur – 28.43%
42. Majhgaon – 33.11%
43. Manoharpur – 26.24%
Jharkhand Assembly elections Live: Voter turnout at 29.31% till 11 am
Jharkhand saw an overall voter turnout of 29.31 per cent till 11 am during the first phase of voting for 43 seats, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI) data.
Jharkhand Assembly elections Live: JMM contesting on 23 seats, Congress on 17 in phase 1
43 of 81 Assembly seats in Jharkhand are voting in the fist phase on Wednesday. For this phase, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has fielded 23 candidates, its allies Congress 17 and Lalu Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) five.
Meanwhile, the Opposition BJP has fielded 36 candidates, Janata Dal United (JDU) two and Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party seven candidates.
Jharkhand Live | 'Confident that we will win': Ex-Jharkhand Congress chief
Former Jharkhand Congress President Rajesh Thakur said the party is confident of winning the elections and said, "The work we have done in 5 years, the fight we have fought for 'Jharkhandi Ashmita'... we are confident that we will win because we have worked for the people. We have campaigned well and we are confident that we will win most of the seats in the first phase of elections today."
On Wayanad bypoll, taking place simultaneously, Thakur said, "Priyanka Gandhi's victory is certain, people are voting in large numbers to make her win."
Jharkhand Election Live | 'Drones being used for security': Jharkhand police
Elaborate security measures are in place in Ranchi amid voting for the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections. SP City Raj Kumar Mehta told ANI, “The message to the people of Ranchi is to exercise their franchise…We want people to vote peacefully… Drones are being used for security purposes.”
Jharkhand Assembly elections Live: Constituency-wise voter turnout till 9 am
The overall voter turnout stood at 13.04 per cent till 9 am during the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly election. According to the Election Commission data, here's the constituency-wise voter turnout -
1. Chatra - 12.65%
2. Simaria - 13.85%
3. Baharagora - 13.77%
4. Ghatsila - 12.73%
5. Jamshedpur East - 11.35%
6. Jamshedpur West - 9.70%
7. Jugsalai - 9.33%
8. Potka - 12.10%
9. Bhawanathpur - 13.58%
10. Garhwa - 13.23%
11. Bishunpur - 13.27%
12. Gumla - 13.89%
13. Sisai - 14.67%
14. Barhi - 15%
15. Barkatha - 13.90%
16. Hazaribagh - 11.21%
17. Khunti - 14.30%
18. Torpa - 14.44%
19. Kodarma - 14.97%
20. Latehar - 14.33%
21. Manika - 13.18%
22. Lohardaga - 14.97%
23. Bishrampur - 12.33%
24. Chhatarpur - 11.78%
25. Daltonganj - 10.51%
26. Hussainabad - 12.41%
27. Panki - 12.43%
28. Barkagaon - 14.37%
29. Hatia - 11.30%
30. Kanke - 10.95%
31. Mandar - 14.85%
32. Ranchi - 10.05%
33. Tamar - 14.97%
34. Ichagarh - 15.26%
35. Kharsawan - 15.09%
36. Seraikella - 13.84%
37. Kolebira - 15.07%
38. Simdega - 15.11%
39. Chaibasa - 14.37%
40. Chakradharpur - 12.59%
41. Jaganathpur - 13.38%
42. Majhgaon - 15.24%
43. Manoharpur - 13.32%
Jharkhand elections Live: Voter turnout at 13.04% till 9 am
According to the Election Commission data, the overall voter turnout stood at 13.04 per cent till 9 am. East Singhbum saw the lowest turnout at 11.25 per cent.
Jharkhand elections Live Updates: Union Minister Sanjay Seth casts vote in Ranchi
Amid voting for the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly election, Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth cast his vote at a polling station in Ranchi.
He told ANI, "The people of Jharkhand are fed up with corruption in these 5 years…BJP will win here with a two-third majority… Is Jharkhand a Dharamshala, a refugee centre? Infiltrators are being called here from Bangladesh…BJP has taken a resolution that from November 24, Bangladeshi infiltrators will be thrown out of the border…Yesterday, the Health Minister here, Banna Gupta said that ‘Hindus are extremists’…It is their tradition to abuse Hinduism for vote bank…”
Jharkhand Assembly elections Live: Polling to end at 4 pm at 950 sensitive booths spread across 31 constituencies
Polling is scheduled to end at 4 pm at 950 sensitive booths spread across 31 constituencies. Voting at all the other polling booths will continue till 5 pm.
Jharkhand elections Live: In his appeal to voters, Hemant Soren slams BJP for inflation, unemployment
In his appeal to voters, Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren promised that he will ensure that the state progresses if he is voted to power.
In a post on X, he slamming the BJP and said they want to divert attention by raising religious issues and they have no solution to issues like rising inflation, unemployment, infiltration.
साथियों,
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) November 13, 2024
मतदान से पूर्व हमारे किए गए कार्यों और भविष्य की योजनाओं को अवश्य जानें।
मैंने पूरी पारदर्शिता के साथ अपना कार्य-विवरण आपके सामने रखा है। मैं स्वीकार करता हूं कि अभी हमारे बुजुर्गों, युवाओं और माताओं-बहनों के लिए बहुत कुछ करना शेष है, जिसे हम पूरी निष्ठा, समर्पण एवं… pic.twitter.com/4Pxyq8r9Yi
Jharkhand Assembly elections Live: JMM Ranchi candidate Mahua Maji urges voters to vote in large numbers
Amid voting for the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly election, JMM Ranchi candidate Mahua Maji appealed voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers.
Speaking to ANI, Maji said, “I appeal to everyone to vote for me. I want there should be development. Ranchi does not look like a capital and I want to transform it into one...I have an experience in different sectors”.
She is a current Rajya Sabha MP and is in a face off with BJP's CP Singh in Ranchi.
Jharkhand Assembly elections Live: PM Modi urges voters to "vote with full enthusiasm"
Amid the voting on 43 seats in Jharkhand in the first phase, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the voters to "vote with full enthusiasm".
He took to X and said, "Today is the first round of voting in the Jharkhand assembly elections. I urge all voters to vote with full enthusiasm in this festival of democracy. On this occasion, my heartiest congratulations to all my young friends who are going to vote for the first time!"
Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Governor of Jharkhand, cast his vote on Wednesday during the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections 2024.
After casting his vote, he said, "I appeal to the people to exercise their franchise and vote in large numbers. The way voting took place in Jammu and Kashmir, people voted in large numbers. It should be celebrated like a festival."
Ranchi: Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Governor of Jharkhand shows his inked finger after casting his vote for #jharkhandassemblyelections2024 pic.twitter.com/KWMhL3GBvM
— ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2024
Jharkhand elections Live: What was the outcome in 2019?
In 2019, after registering a disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha poll just month prior, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance ousted the BJP to return to power helmed by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
The JMM emerged as the single largest party with 30 Assembly seats, of which 17 were won among the seats which are voting in the first phase on Wednesday. Thirteen of the BJP’s 25 total seats were won from these 43 first-phase seats, followed by the Congress at eight of 16. JMM and Congress ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) won its only seat here.
Smaller parties, including the erstwhile Babulal Marandi-led Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik), and Independents won the remaining four first-phase seats.
Jharkhand Assembly elections Live: Key candidates and constituencies
Key constituencies in phase 1 are Seraikella, Ranchi, Jamshedpur West, Jagannathpur, and Jamshedpur East.
Key candidates include former CM Champai Soren, contesting from Seraikella, sitting Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, contesting from Ranchi and Congress’s Health Minister Banna Gupta faces a competitive race against JD(U) leader Saryu Roy, known for defeating then-Chief Minister Raghubar Das in 2019.
Jamshedpur East will see Congress candidate Ajoy Kumar challenge BJP’s Purnima Das Sahu, while in Jaganathpur, BJP’s Geeta Koda, wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, will take on Congress leader Sona Ram Sinku.
Jharkhand election Live: Voting begins on 43 seats in phase 1
Voting for 43 seats in Jharkhand began at 7 am amid tight security. It will continue till 5 pm.
Jharkhand saw intense election campaigns both by the NDA and the INDIA alliance. The NDA focussed on issues such as infiltration, corruption, and scams, while the INDIA alliance has emphasised tribal rights and welfare. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Hemant Soren were among the top leaders who campaigned and addressed rallies ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly election.