As the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly election results come in, the JMM-led Mahagathbandhan has crossed the halfway mark, securing leads in 50 of the 81 constituencies. According to data from the Election Commission of India, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leads in 30 seats, Congress in 14, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in 5, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI(ML)(L)) in one seat.
BJP-Led NDA Leads in 28 Seats
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is currently leading in 28 seats, with BJP leading in 24, AJSU in 2, and JD(U) and LJP (RV) each leading in one seat. However, the JMM alliance’s performance signals a strong challenge to the NDA, as the results continue to unfold.
Surprise Surge for Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM)
An intriguing development in the election is the performance of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), a party contesting the elections for the first time. JLKM is leading in two seats, Jugsalai and Dumri. This unexpected rise underscores the dynamic nature of the state’s political landscape. In addition, an independent candidate is also leading in the Panki seat, further complicating the picture.
Vote Counting and Trends
The vote counting for the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections began at 8 am on Saturday, alongside bypoll results from 15 states. As of 10:40 am, trends show that the JMM-led Mahagathbandhan is steadily increasing its lead, with Congress leader Rajesh Thakur expressing optimism about the alliance’s performance. Thakur highlighted key policies, such as loan waivers for farmers and free electricity, that are expected to bring positive results for the alliance. He also criticised BJP’s attempts to destabilise the government, especially through efforts to send Chief Minister Hemant Soren to jail.
Voter Turnout and Election Predictions
The voter turnout for the Jharkhand Assembly election was reported at over 68%, a significant increase from the 65% turnout in 2019. The first phase of voting, held on November 13, covered 43 of the 81 seats. Despite predictions from exit polls that the NDA would win between 42-47 seats, and the JMM alliance securing 25-30 seats, the trends so far show a competitive race with both alliances jockeying for the lead.
RJD’s Unexpected Surge
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has emerged as a surprise element in the election, with candidates leading in five out of six constituencies. In 2019, RJD won only one seat, Chatra, through Satyanand Bhokta. However, in 2024, RJD’s Suresh Paswan is leading by over 19,000 votes in Deoghar, while Sanjay Prasad Yadav is ahead by 19,867 votes in Godda. RJD’s strong performance has taken many by surprise, as it challenges established BJP leaders in several key constituencies.
In Koderma, Subhash Prasad Yadav, a close aide of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, is leading over BJP’s sitting legislator Neera Yadav. RJD’s other candidates, Naresh Prasad Singh and Sanjay Kumar Singh Yadav, are also showing promising leads in Bishrampur and Hussainabad, respectively.
Hemant Soren Leads in Barhait
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who is contesting from Barhait, is leading by a margin of 4,921 votes against BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom. Soren, who contested both Barhait and Dumka in 2019, vacated the Dumka seat after winning it. He is now seeking re-election to continue his tenure as Chief Minister.
Soren has faced significant challenges, including a legal battle and his brief resignation earlier this year following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case. After being granted bail, he was re-elected as the JMM’s legislature party leader, paving the way for his return as Chief Minister.
What’s Next?
The results of all 81 Jharkhand constituencies, along with the outcomes of Maharashtra and other state bypolls, will be declared later today. The JMM-led alliance’s strong showing so far points to a potential comeback for Hemant Soren, with the party poised to form the government for a third consecutive term. Meanwhile, the BJP and its allies continue to fight back, hoping that trends will shift in their favour as the final rounds of counting unfold.