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HIGHLIGHTS | Jharkhand Assembly elections |Phase 1 sees voter turnout of 64.86 per cent

Bypolls are underway in seven seats in Rajasthan, six in Bengal, five in Assam, four in Bihar, three in Kerala, two in MP, and one each in Meghalaya, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka.
Scenes from polling stations across Jharkhand on the first phase of Assembly election.
Scenes from polling stations across Jharkhand on the first phase of Assembly election.ANI
Online Desk, Agencies
Summary

The first phase of Jharkhand's assembly elections concluded with a voter turnout of 64.86% across 43 constituencies. Lohardaga recorded the highest turnout at 73.21%, while Hazaribag had the lowest at 59.13%. The polling saw major political players such as former CM Champai Soren, ex-MP Geeta Kora, and other prominent leaders in the fray.

Both the BJP and the INDIA bloc conducted high-profile campaigns, with the BJP emphasising its ‘Roti, Beti, Maati’ agenda and the INDIA bloc highlighting welfare achievements and criticising the BJP-led Centre for alleged misuse of central agencies.

Approximately 1.37 crore voters were eligible for this round, and a total of 683 candidates contested. Authorities set up 15,344 polling stations, including 1,152 managed by women and 24 by specially-abled staff. Notable candidates cast their votes, and high-profile leaders from both alliances rallied support, addressing issues of infiltration, corruption, and tribal welfare.

Seizures of illegal assets and cash worth over Rs 208 crore were reported under the Model Code of Conduct, with 58 violations logged. The second phase of voting is set for November 20, with results to be counted on November 23. The election outcome will determine whether the JMM-led coalition, which currently has a majority, will retain power or if the BJP can make a comeback.

Voting begins for bypolls to seven assembly seats in Rajasthan

Voting for by-elections on seven assembly constituencies of Rajasthan began at 7 am on Wednesday morning under tight security arrangements, officials said.

"Polling began at 7 am," an official of the election department said.

The seven seats going to the polls are: Jhunjhunu, Dausa, Deoli-Uniara, Khinvsar, Chorasi, Salumber and Ramgarh. The results will be declared on November 23.

Bypolls underway in West Bengal

Meanwhile, by-elections to six assembly seats in West Bengal is underway. Amid stringent security measures, the by-polls are being held in Sitai, Madarihat, Naihati, Haroa, Medinipur and Taldangra assembly constituencies in West Bengal. Notably, five of these constituencies are in the TMC strongholds of south Bengal, while Madarihat remains a BJP stronghold in the northern areas of West Bengal.

Polling begins in Kerala's Wayanad Lok Sabha seat

Voting in the bypolls for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat and the Chelakkara assembly constituency in Kerala commenced at 7am. A bypoll was necessitated in the hill constituency after Rahul Gandhi, who won the Wayanad LS seat in the general elections held earlier this year, vacated it after he also won from the Rae Bareli constituency.

There are 16 candidates in the fray for the seat with Congress-led UDF's candidate and Rahul's sister Priyanka, who is making her electoral debut, CPI(M)-led LDF's Sathyan Mokeri and BJP-led NDA's Navya Haridas being the top contenders.

Voting for 43 assembly seats in Jharkhand begins

Voting for 43 assembly seats in Jharkhand commenced on Wednesday with a total of 683 candidates trying their luck, including former CM Champai Soren and ex-MP Geeta Kora.

Polling began around 7 AM in these constituencies across 15 districts and will continue till 5 PM.

Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar cast vote

N WEDNESDAY, NOV 13, 2024** Ranchi: Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar at a polling station to cast his vote during the 1st phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections.
N WEDNESDAY, NOV 13, 2024** Ranchi: Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar at a polling station to cast his vote during the 1st phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections.PTI

Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar reaches polling booth set up at the Administrative Training Institute (ATI) in Ranchi to cast a vote.

JDU leader Saryu Roy casts his vote

NDA candidate from Jamshedpur West Assembly seat and JDU leader Saryu Roy casts his vote at a polling booth in Jamshedpur West Congress's Banna Gupta is contesting against him.

PM Modi tells Jharkhand voters to vote with full enthusiasm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged voters to exercise their franchise with "full enthusiasm" in the first round of voting in the Jharkhand assembly elections.

"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," Modi said in a post in Hindi on X.

"On this occasion, my heartiest congratulations to all my young friends who are going to vote for the first time! Remember - 'pehle matdan, phir jalpaan'!" he added.

Voting underway in three Assembly segments in Karnataka

Voting is underway for by-polls to three Assembly segments in Karnataka on Wednesday.

By-polls to Sandur, Shiggaon, and Channapatna constituencies are necessitated, as the seats fell vacant following the election of their respective representatives -- E Tukaram of Congress, former CM Basavaraj Bommai of BJP, and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy of JD(S) -- to Lok Sabha in May elections.

BJP has no solution for inflation, unemployment, says CM Hemant Soren in his appeal to voters

As voting is underway in Jharkhand, Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren urged promised that he will ensure that the state progresses if he is voted power.

“Friends, Before voting, please know about our work done and future plans. I have presented my work report to you with complete transparency. I accept that there is still a lot to be done for our elders, youth and mothers and sisters, which I will complete with full devotion, dedication and speed. Also let me assure you that –We will never do divisive politics like the BJP-NDA. It is easy to choose the path of violence, but it is a symbol of cowardice.

Today BJP-NDA only wants to divert the attention of the public by raising religious issues and disputes with neighbouring countries because they do not have any real issues.

They have no solution to serious issues like rising inflation, unemployment and infiltration across the Chinese border. They shelter Bangladeshi fugitives, and after failing to protect the border with them, they are now blaming others. Jharkhand is hundreds of KM away from the Bangladesh border – but seems to be close to the heart of the BJP.

If you like our work, please support us. I promise that I will do 10 years of work in the next 5 years so that no one can stop our pace of progress. Jai Jharkhand,” Soren wrote in a post on X.

Think of forming inclusive govt not one that divides: Kharge to voters

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday urged people to vote to strengthen democracy and said before pressing the EVM button they must think about forming a government that ensures the participation of all and not one that "divides, misleads and polarises".

In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said all voters are requested to cast their valuable votes to strengthen democracy and the Constitution.

"The people of Jharkhand have to vote for social justice for all, inclusive development and good governance as well as for the protection of 'jal, jungle, zameen (water, forests, land) and tribal civilisation, and to keep divisive forces away from the state," the Congress president said.

"Before pressing the button on the EVM, you have to think that we have to form a government that ensures the involvement and participation of the people, not a government that divides, misleads and polarises the people, only then will we be able to save the values of the Constitution," Kharge said.

"We welcome and congratulate our friends who are voting for the first time. Exercise your rights thoughtfully. Definitely vote and inspire others too," he said.

Union Minister Sanjay Seth casts vote in Ranchi

Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth cast his vote at a polling station in Ranchi. Seth told news agency 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…”

Congress candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits polling station in Wayanad

Congress candidate for Wayanad Lok Sabha by-elections Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visits a polling centre in Wayanad.

 Rajya Sabha Dy Chairman Harivansh casts vote in Ranchi

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh has cast his vote at a polling station in Ranchi, as seen in a video posted by news agency ANI.

Let's build a better future together: Priyanka Gandhi to Wayanad voters

Congress candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives during Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, Kerala
Congress candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrives during Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, KeralaPTI

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is making her electoral debut from Wayanad, urged voters on Wednesday to cast their ballot and called for building a better future together.

"My dearest sisters and brothers, Please vote today, it's your day, a day for you to make your choice and exercise the greatest power our constitution has given you.

Let's build a better future together!" Priyanka Gandhi said in a post on X.

Over 13 pc voter turnout recorded in 43 assembly seats till 9 AM

Nearly 13.04 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 9 AM on Wednesday in 43 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where voting is underway in the first phase, officials said.

Polling began around 7 AM in these constituencies across 15 districts and will continue till 5 PM.

Union Minister Annapurna Devi bats for Koderma BJP candidate Dr Nira Yadav

Union Minister of Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi has appealed voters of Koderma to vote for BJP candidate Dr Nira Yadav.

Speaking to PTI, Devi said, “I want to appeal to voters in 43 constituencies to vote, every vote is important, by voting they can form a stable government. I would like to tell the voters of Koderma to vote for BJP candidate Dr Nira Yadav. Women are not safe today. As we show unity during our festivals, we should also exhibit it during the voting.”

 Drones used for security purposes, says Jharkhand police

Strict security measures are in place as Jharkhand Assembly polls is underway. Commenting on the security measures, 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.”

Let's ensure resounding victory together: Rahul to Wayanad voters

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged Wayanad voters to support his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and said she will be more than just a representative for them and be their sister, daughter and advocate.

"I'm reaching out to my family in Wayanad this election, my sister Priyanka Gandhi is ready to be your voice in Parliament," Gandhi said in a post on X.

"She will be more than just a representative - ?she will be your sister, your daughter, and your advocate. I am confident she will help unlock Wayanad's full potential," Rahul Gandhi said.

"I urge all of you to come out, vote, and support her. Let's ensure a resounding victory together!" the former Congress president said.

Vijaypur records 17.86 pc turnout, Budhni 16.9 pc till 9 am

A voter turnout of 17.86 per cent was recorded in Vijaypur and 16. 90 per cent in Budhni till 9 am as polling was underway on Wednesday for byelections to the two assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh, a poll official said.

Bihar bypolls: 9.53 pc voter turnout till 9 am in four assembly seats

A voter turnout of 9. 53 per cent was registered till 9 AM on Wednesday in the by-elections to Tarari, Imamganj, Belaganj and Ramgarh assembly seats in Bihar on Wednesday, an official said.

10.14 per cent voting till 9 am in three Assembly segments of Karnataka

An estimated overall 10.14 per cent voter turnout was recorded during the first two hours, since the voting began for by-polls to three Assembly segments in Karnataka on Wednesday, election officials said.

Assam bypolls: 13 per cent voting in 5 assembly seats till 9 am

Nearly 13 per cent of 9.1 lakh electors cast their votes in the first two hours of polling on Wednesday during by-elections to five assembly constituencies in Assam, according to official data.

Vote to protect rights, strengthen Constitution: Rahul to Jharkhand voters

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday urged the voters of Jharkhand to vote to strengthen the Constitution and democracy, and said every vote for the INDIA bloc will bring prosperity in their life through seven guarantees.

"Brothers and sisters of Jharkhand, today the first phase of voting is taking place in your state. I appeal to all the voters to cast your vote to protect your rights and strengthen the constitution and democracy," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.

"Your every vote for INDIA will bring prosperity in your life through 7 guarantees, will protect 'jal-jungle-zameen (water, forest and land) and will strengthen social justice," the former Congress chief said and urged people to vote for the INDIA bloc.

Bengal bypolls: Over 14 pc voting till 9 AM in six assembly seats

A voter turnout of over 14 per cent was recorded till 9 AM on Wednesday for by-elections to six assembly seats in West Bengal, an EC official said.

Brisk polling in first three hours: 20.54 per cent turnout in Wayanad till 10.30 am

Brisk polling was seen in the Wayanad Lok Sabha and the Chelakkara assembly seats in Kerala as they witnessed a turnout of 20.54 and 19.08 per cent, respectively, after the first three hours of voting on Wednesday.

Rajasthan bypolls: Close to 11 per cent votes cast till 9 am in seven assembly seats

A voter turn out of 10.51 per cent was recorded between 7 am and 9 am in the bypolls to seven assembly seats in Rajasthan on Wednesday, an election department official said.

Meghalaya bypoll: 27 per cent turnout recorded till 9 am in Gambegre assembly seat

A voter turnout of 27 per cent was recorded in the first two hours of polling on Wednesday for by-election to Gambegre assembly constituency in Meghalaya, an official said.

Amid crucial bypolls, controversy erupts in Kerala over excerpts from former LDF convenor E P Jayarajan's autobiography

As voting progresses in the crucial bypolls for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat and the Chelakkara Assembly constituency, a fresh controversy erupted in Kerala over the yet to be published autobiography of CPI(M) leader E P Jayarajan.

This morning, some channels broadcast excerpts from the purported autobiography, which included critical remarks about the LDF government and the Marxist party.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Jharkhand Assembly polls: Voter turnout of 29.31 per cent recorded in 43 assembly seats till 11 am

A voter turnout of 29.31 per cent was recorded till 11am on Wednesday in 43 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where voting is underway in the first phase, officials said.

Polling began around 7 am in these constituencies across 15 districts and will continue till 5 pm.

After casting vote, Hemant Soren appeals voters to exercise franchise

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren after casting vote has appealed every citizen to exercise their franchise. “Today, we went to our respective polling booths to cast our votes. I request every citizen of the state to participate in this festival of democracy to strengthen it,” Soren told PTI.

Champai Soren casts vote

Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren has cast vote. The main contest during the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly polls is between former Chief Minister and BJP leader Champai Soren and JMM’s Ganesh Mahli. Exuding confidence in victory, Soren told PTI, “The BJP and allies will win all 14 seats in Kolhan region. There is no ifs and buts about it.”

BJP candidate from Seraikela constituency Champai Soren with others shows his finger marked with indelible ink after casting his vote during the 1st phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections.
BJP candidate from Seraikela constituency Champai Soren with others shows his finger marked with indelible ink after casting his vote during the 1st phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections.PTI
Overview of 2019 Jharkhand Assembly election results
Overview of 2019 Jharkhand Assembly election resultsOnline Desk

'Hockey,' 'Say No to Drugs,' and 'Tribal Culture' themed polling stations engage voters

In Jharkhand's first phase of Assembly polls, over 50 themed polling booths across 15 districts were set up to engage voters with unique designs celebrating local culture, sports, and social awareness. Notable booths included a hockey-themed station in Ranchi honouring Jharkhand's Olympians, a tribal culture-themed booth in Tamar block, and an anti-drug awareness booth in Chatra district. Special arrangements, including wheelchair access and volunteer assistance, were made for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to ensure a smooth voting experience.

X- @ceojharkhand

Jharkhand (Phase-1) recorded 46.25% voter turnout till 1 pm, as per the Election Commission of India

Gumla district registered the highest voter turnout at 52.11 per cent, followed by 51.53 per cent at Lohardaga, 51.37 per cent in Khunti and 50.71 per cent in Seraikela--Kharsawan district.

Simdega recorded 50.66 per cent voting, followed by 50.41 per cent in Latehar, 47.33 per cent in Koderma and 46.81 per cent in Ramgarh.

Garhwa recorded 46.75 per cent polling, West Singhbhum 46.41 per cent, Hazaribag 45.77 per cent, Chatra 45.76 per cent and East Singhbhum 44.88 per cent.

Palamu recorded 44 per cent, the second lowest voter turnout, while Ranchi district saw the lowest 40.98 per cent turnout till 1 PM.

BJP will get two-thirds majority in Jharkhand, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed confidence that the BJP will secure a two-thirds majority in Jharkhand. Chouhan, the BJP's assembly election in-charge for Jharkhand, claimed that voters are backing the party to end the "corrupt" rule of the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance. He highlighted strong support from BJP voters and the public’s desire for change. Chouhan also affirmed that BJP will win the Budhni assembly bypoll in Madhya Pradesh, with BJP's Ramakant Bhargava contesting against Congress's Rajkumar Patel.

MS Dhoni and wife Sakshi cast their votes in Jharkhand Elections 2024

Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, accompanied by his wife Sakshi, arrived at DAV Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Ranchi to cast their votes in the ongoing Jharkhand Elections 2024.

BJP slams Congress for releasing Jharkhand manifesto during 'silence period'

The BJP has criticised the Congress for releasing its election manifesto during the 48-hour "silence period" before voting in Jharkhand, accusing the party of violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The BJP lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging the Congress breached the poll code to appease the minority community. The Congress manifesto, which includes promises like 250 units of free electricity and a caste-based census, was unveiled on Tuesday, a day before voting began. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra called the release unconstitutional and claimed it was part of a strategy to win minority votes. Voting in the first phase of Jharkhand assembly polls began on Wednesday with 46.25% turnout recorded by 1 pm.

Jharkhand's first election phase sees 59.28 per cent voter turnout by 3 pm

A voter turnout of 59.28 per cent was recorded till 3 pm in the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly polls, as per the Election Commission of India.

As per the data shared by the ECI, as of 3 pm, the Seraikella-Kharsawan constituency is leading with 66.38 per cent turnout, followed by Lohardaga and Simdega with 65.99 per cent and 64.31 per cent respectively.

According to the ECI, the state's capital city Ranchi recorded the lowest voter turnout of 53.40 per cent, while the district of Palamu recorded 56.57 per cent.

The voter turnout for Ramgarh is 59.22 per cent, Khunti is 63.35 per cent, Gumla is 64.59 per cent, West Singhbum is 60.35 per cent, Latehar is 62.81 per cent, Garhwa is 61.06 per cent, East Singhbum is 58.72 per cent and Hazaribagh is 57.16 per cent

Brisk voting in Maoist-affected Jharkhand areas despite boycott call

Despite a Maoist boycott call, voting proceeded briskly in Maoist-affected areas of Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district. In Rabanga village, posters urging a boycott and a suspected bomb delayed voting for 30 minutes, as police cordoned off the area and removed the objects. However, hundreds of voters still turned out to vote. In other regions, Maoists blocked a road in Jagannathpur, but it was cleared by police. Voting for 14 assembly seats in the Kolhan region continued peacefully with tight security. By 1 pm, voter turnout in constituencies like Ichagarh, Seraikela, and Kharswan was around 50%.

PM Modi accuses Congress of 'dangerous intentions' on reservations, vows to protect 'roti, beti, maati' in Jharkhand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of having "dangerous intentions" regarding reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) during a rally in Deoghar, Jharkhand. Modi claimed that Congress is attempting to weaken the rights of these communities and divide them to reduce their collective power. He also criticized regional parties like Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for prioritizing their families' interests over those of the people of Jharkhand.

Modi further accused Congress and JMM of misappropriating Jharkhand's resources, including water, land, and jobs, while highlighting concerns about foreign infiltration affecting tribal populations in areas like Santhal. He emphasized that the BJP would protect Jharkhand's resources and culture, focusing on the importance of "Roti, Beti, and Maati" (bread, daughters, and land).

Modi also addressed the ongoing first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections, urging voters to support the BJP for a better future. He extended festive greetings for the Neman festival and the upcoming 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda. The first phase of voting for 43 out of 81 seats in Jharkhand began on November 13, with the remaining 38 seats set to vote on November 20. The vote counting will take place on November 23. (Read full article)

64.86% voter turnout in first phase until 5pm

Via ANI

Jharkhand recorded a voter turnout of 64.86% in the first phase of assembly elections across 43 constituencies, officials reported. Lohardaga led with the highest turnout at 73.21%, while Hazaribag had the lowest at 59.13%. Other districts saw varying participation rates, including Seraikela-Kharsawan (72.19%), Gumla (69.01%), Simdega (68.66%), and Ranchi (60.49%). Voting continued until 5 pm.

Beneficiaries 'receive' JMM govt scheme funds night before voting, BJP lodges complaint

The BJP lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, accusing the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government of transferring funds to beneficiaries of the Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana (JMMSY) just before polling. BJP delegates, including Pushpak Tiwary, claimed that funds, typically disbursed on the sixth or seventh of the month, were transferred on November 12, a day prior to voting. They submitted evidence for investigation. Additionally, the BJP filed complaints against Congress candidate Ajay Nath Shahdeo and JMM candidate Mahua Maji for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by distributing voter slips with Shahdeo’s photo and Maji wearing a party badge in public.

Jharkhand voters undeterred by boycott calls in Maoist-affected areas: EC

Unfazed by threats and boycott calls from Maoists, people in Left Wing Extremism-affected areas in Jharkhand turned out in impressive numbers to vote on Wednesday even as the overall polling percentage in the state surpassed the 63.9 per cent recorded in the 2019 assembly elections, according to the Election Commission.

Voting was held in 43 assembly seats out of 81 in the first phase and the rest of the seats will go to polls on November 20.

"Polling was marked by a festive mood and enthusiastic participation across all districts, with large tribal population, including areas affected by Left Wing Extremism," the poll authority said on Wednesday evening.

The EC said voters remained undeterred by threats and boycott calls.

"In Budha Pahad area in Garhwa district, once considered a stronghold of extremists, long queues, and peaceful polling at Hesatu polling station signalled the deep penetration of democratic ethos.

"For the first time, this polling station was set up in the Budha Pahad area for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, allowing residents to vote in their own village," it said. The Maoists had put up posters and banners at the gates of a polling station in Rabanga village in Manoharpur constituency, calling upon electors to boycott the polls, and also placed an object which was suspected to be a bomb, officials in the state said.

Polling concludes in the first phase

Polling concludes in the first phase as officials seal EVMs at polling booths across Jharkhand.

BJP
Assembly Bypolls
Jharkhand Assembly polls
Wayanad bypolls
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren

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