The JMM-led INDIA bloc recorded a landslide victory in the Jharkhand assembly elections winning 55 seats so far.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leads the tally with 34 seats, while its allies Congress (15), Rashtriya Janata Dal (4), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) (4) follow behind.
The majority mark in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly is 41.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is emerging as the second-largest party in the Assembly winning 20 seats, as of now.
The AJSU Party, Lok Janshakti Party(Ram Vilas), and the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha have secured one seat each.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren retained the Barhait seat defeating BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes.
Soren expressed gratitude to the people of the state for the INDIA bloc's stellar performance in the assembly polls, asserting that it passed the exam of democracy.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP co-incharge for the assembly elections in Jharkhand, said the party's loss was deeply painful for him.
PM Modi congratulated the JMM-led alliance for its performance in Jharkhand. He also expressed that the BJP will always be at the forefront of raising people's issues.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the INDIA bloc's win in Jharkhand is a victory for the protection of water, forest and land, along with that of the Constitution.
Elections in Jharkhand were conducted in two phases. A voter turnout of 67.74 per cent was recorded -- the highest since Jharkhand's formation on November 15, 2000.
Most exit polls on Wednesday had predicted a win for the NDA in Jharkhand, while one forecasted a majority for the ruling JMM-led alliance.
In the run-up to the elections, the BJP has made a concerted effort to make inroads into the Santhal Pargana region, a stronghold of the CM Hemant Soren-led JMM, particularly focusing on the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration. The key constituencies in this region include Pakur, Rajmahal, Barhait, and Dumka.
From BJP leaders at the Centre and state level to JMM turncoats like Chamapi Soren and Sita Soren (daughter-in-law of Shibu Soren), the opposition has accused the incumbent government of altering the demographics of Santhal Pargana.
They have also pledged to introduce laws to curb infiltration.
However, the JMM has dismissed this as a mere poll plank.
The 2024 Assembly polls are unique as the reputation of seven former chief ministers is at stake.
While incumbent CM Hemant Soren and former CMs Champai Soren and Babulal Marandi are contesting, kin of former CMs like Shibu Soren, Arjun Munda, Raghubar Das, and Madhu Koda are also in the fray.
Though JMM chief Shibu Soren is away from active politics, his son Hemant Soren (Barhet), daughter-in-law Kalpana Soren (Gandey) and younger son Basant Soren (Dumka) are in the fray.
Shibu Soren’s elder daughter-in-law Sita Soren is also contesting from Jamtara on a BJP ticket.
At the JMM camp office in Ranchi, an uneasy silence prevailed on Friday as leaders quietly discussed exit polls which gave an advantage to the BJP-led NDA. While the high voter turnout offered some confidence, concerns over potential horse trading loomed.
Leaders were instructed to monitor candidates closely, with general secretaries set to oversee the counting process.
BJP leader Babulal Marandi claimed with confidence that the BJP-led NDA would win over 51 seats and form the government in the state, citing corruption in the incumbent administration as the key reason.
Speaking before vote counting began on Saturday, Marandi said, "Look, regarding the government, we had some regrets, but after the elections, based on the feedback we received from grassroots-level workers, I can say with confidence that this time the BJP and the NDA alliance will secure 51-plus seats in Jharkhand, and the NDA will form the government here."
On discussions about the next chief minister, he said, "Wait until this evening when all the results will be out. The legislative party will meet, and the leader will be chosen. After that, we will call everyone and let you (media) know."
Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said that they are very confident of winning the Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections as the INDIA bloc fought the poll together, and the atmosphere is in their favour.
Speaking to ANI, Gehlot refuted exit polls that have predicted a win for the BJP-led NDA in both the poll-bound states.
"If the exit polls are speaking against us, they were in our favour in Haryana. When the results start coming, we will know the situation. We are fully confident that the people have given their blessings to the India block. INDIA Bloc fought the elections together and the atmosphere is in our favour," he said.
Counting of votes for 81 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand began at 8 AM on Saturday, Election Commission officials said.
The elections were held in two phases - November 13 and 20. The first round of polls covered 43 constituencies, while the second and final phase saw voting in 38 seats.
"Counting began at 8 AM at all 24 centres. Postal ballots are being taken up first. Counting of votes polled in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) will begin at 8.30 AM and first trends are likely by 9.30 AM," an official said.
Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar said the counting is likely to be completed by 4 PM. The lowest 13-round counting will pertain to the Torpa assembly segment while the counting for the Chatra seat will be held for the highest 24 rounds, he said.
Out of the 17 seats for which very early trends have started coming in, the BJP-led NDA is leading in 13, while the INDIA bloc is ahead in five.
NDA leading in 47 seats, INDIA bloc in 16 seats.
As the counting for votes for Jharkhand Assembly elections began, district electoral officer, Ranchi, Varun Ranjan on Saturday said that all preparations have been made and firstly, postal ballots will be counted and from 8:30 onwards.
Speaking to the media, DEO Ranjan said,"Around 4 pm-5 pm, we should be able to complete the counting process."
NDA takes early lead in 48 seats
BJP - 41, AJSU-6, JD(U)- 2
INDIA bloc takes early lead in 19 seats
JMM-14, Congress- 5
As early trends indicated an edge for the NDA, Congress leader Rajesh Thakur on Saturday asserted that the election results would reflect the work done by his party, irrespective of whether media projections favored them or their opponents.
Expressing confidence in securing the desired outcome, he highlighted their campaign efforts, clear articulation of views, and the initiatives undertaken by the party.
VIDEO | Here's what Congress leader Rajesh Thakur (@RajeshThakurINC) said on NDA getting an edge in early trends in Jharkhand and Maharashtra.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 23, 2024
"These are early trends, whether they (media houses) show lead to them or us, it is not very relevant. But, the trends suggest that we… pic.twitter.com/Zf7So4Mjzu
"These are early trends, whether they (media houses) show lead to them or us, it is not very relevant. But, the trends suggest that we are heading towards victory (in Jharkhand). The way we have campaigned, we have kept our views forward and the work we have done, we are hopeful of getting the results we want." he said.
Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren leading in Saraikela Assembly seat
With counting for the Jharkhand Assembly elections underway, early leads show that the BJP-led NDA is ahead in 45 seats, while the JMM-led alliance is leading in 35.
BJP is leading in 38 seats, AJSU is leading in 5 seats, JD(U) and LJPRV leading in one seat each.
JMM is leading in 24 seats, Congress in 10 seats and RJD in one seat.
The Election Commission, however, is yet to come out with any trend as of now on its website.
As per the latest Election Commission trends, Congress and CPI (ML) leading on one seat each.
Jharkhand Election Results 2024: As per the latest Election Commission trends, Congress and CPI (ML) leading on one seat each. @ECISVEEP #ElectionResults2024WithPTI#JharkhandElections2024 pic.twitter.com/v8XZkxBkHH
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 23, 2024
JMM candidate Mahua Maji is leading from the Ranchi Assembly seat
Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM candidate Hemant Soren is leading in the Barhait Assembly seat, while BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom is trailing.
BJP candidate Sita Soren, who is also the daughter-in-law of JMM supremo Shibu Soren and wife of late Durga Soren, is leading from the Jamtara Assembly constituency.
BJP candidate and former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi is leading from the Dhanwar Assembly seat.
JMM candidate and Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana, who is a sitting MLA from Gandey, is leading from the seat.
With counting for the Jharkhand Assembly elections underway, early leads show that the BJP-led NDA is ahead in 45 seats, while the JMM-led alliance is leading in 36.
Trends show BJP-lead NDA ahead in 42 seats, while JMM-led INDIA bloc is leading in 38 seats.
BJP is leading in 35 seats, AJSU is leading in six seats and JD(U) leading in one seat.
JMM is leading in 27 seats, Congress in eight seats, RJD in two seats and CPI(ML)(L) in one seat.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren leading by 2,812 votes from Barhait assembly seat after first round of counting
Jharkhand was witnessing a close contest as the BJP-led NDA was leading in 40 of the 81 assembly seats and the JMM-led INDIA bloc in the state was ahead in 37 as the counting of votes was underway on Saturday.
The Election Commission, however, came out with trends on its website, showing that the INDIA bloc was leading in 19 seats, the NDA in 13 and an independent and JKLM in one each till 9.45 AM.
#JharkhandAssemblyElection2024 | Initial trends by Election Commission:
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
Mahagathbandhan leading on 29 seats (JMM 13, Congress 9, RJD 4, CPI(ML)(L) 3)
NDA leading on 19 seats (BJP 17, AJSUP 2)
JLKM leading on 2
Others and Independent on 2 pic.twitter.com/bEZCflS90H
In Seraikela, former CM and BJP nominee Champai Soren was trailing by 2,986 votes against the JMM's Ganesh Mahli.
Kumar Jaimangal Singh of the Congress in Bermo was leading by a margin of 3,610 votes over his nearest rival Ravindra Pandey of the BJP.
Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar said the counting is underway amid tight security arrangements and is likely to be completed by 4 PM.
The lowest 13-round counting will pertain to the Torpa assembly segment while the counting for the Chatra seat will be held for the highest 24 rounds, he said.
BJP candidate Sita Soren, wife of late Durga Soren, is trailing from the Jamtara Assembly constituency.
BJP’s Sunil Soren is leading against JMM candidate and CM Hemant Soren’s brother Basant Soren.
JMM-led INDIA bloc in the state is leading in 52 of the 81 assemly seats and the BJP-led NDA is ahead in 27 as the counting of votes was underway on Saturday.
Former CM Champai Soren’s son and BJP candidate Babulal Soren is trailing from the Ghatsila seat.
JMM’s Ram Das Soren, who is a minister in the current Jharkhand government, is leading from the seat by more than 3000 votes.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren, who was contesting from the Gandey seat, is trailing by around 4,000 votes to BJP’s Munia Devi.
Trends show JMM-led INDIA bloc ahead in 49 seats, while JMM-led INDIA bloc is leading in 29 seats.
JMM is leading in 29 seats, Congress in 14 seats, RJD in five seats and CPI(ML)(L) in one seat.
BJP is leading in 27 seats, AJSU is leading in one seat and JD(U) leading in one seat.
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha - JLKM is leading in two seats and Independent Devendra Kumar Singh is leading from Panki seat.
The JMM-led INDIA bloc was leading in 49 of the 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand while the BJP-headed NDA was ahead in 30 as the counting of votes was underway on Saturday, according to trends available on the Election Commission's website.
According to the trends , the INDIA bloc was leading in 49, the NDA in 30 and an independent and JLKM in two seats each till 10.50 AM.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren was leading in the Barhait assembly constituency by a margin of 4,921 votes over BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom after the second round of counting.
BJP state chief Babulal Marandi was leading by 5,102 votes over CPIML's Rajkumar Yadav after second round of counting.
JMM candidate and Minister Bebi Devi was leading by 3,315 votes over JKLM's Jairam Mahto in Dumri assembly seat after third round of counting.
NDA ally AJSU Party supremo Sudesh Mahto was trailing by 3,998 votes against JMM's Amit Kumar in Silli after the second round of counting.
Former CM and BJP nominee Champai Soren, who was trailing by 2,986 votes in Seraikela against JMM's Ganesh Mahli after first round, was leading by 856 votes in the second round.
JMM candidate Stephen Marandi is leading from the Maheshpur seat by a margin of more than 13,000 votes. His rival candidate, BJP’s Navneet Anthony Hembrom, who has polled 16, 376 votes, is trailing.
Former Jharkhand CM, who jumped ship from the JMM to the BJP, is leading from the Seraikela seat by a margin of more than 8500 votes.
Meanwhile, JMM’s Ganesh Mahali, who has polled more 19,514 votes as of now, is trailing.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has taken a lead of more than 8000 votes from the Barhait Assembly constituency, having polled a total of 15,189 votes till now. His main rival, BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom, has polled 6987 votes.
On counting for Jharkhand election 2024, Congress in-charge for the state Ghulam Ahmad Mir says "These are early trends, we have just entered 2-3 rounds of counting, there are approx 20 rounds of counting in total. In some places, we are leading and in others, we are trailing. We should wait till 2-3 PM, the number of seats and margin of votes for Congress will increase...In Dhanbad, which is considered the second-best capital after Ranchi, we are performing very well. In Ranchi and Bokaro as well, we are performing well. We expect 5-6 seats to increase by the end."
#WATCH | On counting for #JharkhandElection2024, Congress incharge for the state Ghulam Ahmad Mir says "These are early trends, we have just entered 2-3 rounds of counting, there are approx 20 rounds of counting in total. In some places, we are leading and in others, we are… pic.twitter.com/WSDBT29Bn9
— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2024
NDA candidate and JD(U) candidate Saryu Roy has taken a considerable lead of over 16,000 votes in Jamshedpur West. His main rival, Congress’s Banna Gupta, has polled 11, 371 votes after four rounds of counting .
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has emerged as a surprise element in the Jharkhand assembly elections with its candidates leading in five of the six seats where the party is contesting, according to trends available on the Election Commission's website.
RJD candidates in five assembly seats were leading over sitting BJP legislators.
JMM-led INDIA bloc was leading in 50 of the 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand while the NDA was ahead in 30, according to trends available on the Election Commission's website on Saturday.
According to trends, INDIA bloc was leading in 50 seats 'JMM 30, Congress 14 and allies 6' and NDA in 30 till noon.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren was leading in the Barhait assembly constituency by a margin of 8,202 votes over BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom after the third round of counting.
JMM legislator and wife of Jharkhand CM Kalpana Soren was trailing by 3,019 votes against BJP's Muniya Devi after fourth round.
BJP state chief Babulal Marandi was leading by 8,720 votes over CPIML's Rajkumar Yadav after second round of counting.
Former CM and BJP nominee Champai Soren was leading by 8,542 votes in Seraikela against JMM's Ganesh Mahli after third round.
Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri of BJP was trailing by 12,301 votes in Chanadankiyari seat against JMM's Umakant Rajak after fifth round of counting.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Saturday extended his lead to 12,818 votes over BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom in the Barhait assembly constituency, according to the trends available on Election Commission's website.
JMM candidate and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana is trailing by over 3000 votes in Gandey Assembly constituency.
BJP’s Muniya Devi is ahead in the seat, having polled more than 42,000 votes with 13 rounds of counting remaining.
Kalpana had won the Gandey seat in a bypoll earlier this year, after sitting JMM MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad’s resignation.
JMM-led INDIA bloc was leading in 51 of the 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand while the NDA was ahead in 29, according to trends available on the Election Commission's website on Saturday.
JMM is leading in 31 seats, Congress in 14 seats, RJD in four seats and CPI(ML)(L) in two seats.
BJP is leading in 26 seats, AJSU is leading in one seat and JD(U) leading in one seat.
In Jamtara, Sita Soren, Shibu Soren’s daughter-in-law and late Durga Soren’s wife, is trailing against Congress canddidate Irfan Ansari. Ansari, who has polled more than 64,000 votes with 11 rounds of counting remaining, is leading by over 33,000 votes.
BJP candidate Chandreshwar Prasad Singh, who has previously served as a minister in the Raghubar Das government in Jharkhand, is leading by a massive margin of over 40,000 votes in Ranchi.
JMM candidate Mahua Maji, who has polled more than 12,000 votes, is trailing in the seat after seven rounds of counting, and 12 remaining.
Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana regains lead in the Gandey Assembly constituency by 1612 votes
Call it a charismatic show by the power couple -- Hemant Soren and Kalpana Soren whom the BJP had dubbed as 'Bunty aur Babli,' Jharkhand's JMM is on track to secure a second consecutive term as part of the INDIA bloc.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his wife, legislator Kalpana Soren, who entered politics after her husband's arrest earlier this year, held nearly 200 election rallies after elections were announced.
Loyal party workers have already begun celebrations, bursting crackers and distributing sweets, even though the Election Commission has yet to announce the results.
Both Hemant and Kalpana managed to create a wave of sympathy among the tribal electorate. Despite the anti-incumbency sentiment, the BJP failed to capitalise on it and form a government, according to poll analysts.
In Barhait assembly constituency, Soren is leading with a margin of 17,347 votes over BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom.
His wife Kalpana Soren, credited with revitalising the JMM after the arrest of her husband, is now leading by 1,612 votes after 14th round of counting.
CPI(ML) Liberation's Chandradeo Mahato won the Sindri assembly seat in Jharkhand, defeating BJP's Tara Devi by a margin of 3,448 votes, the Election Commission said.
Mahato secured 1,05,136 votes while Devi secured 1,01,688.
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) candidate Usha Devi secured third position with 42,664 votes.
Hemant Soren's JMM-led alliance is all set to retain Jharkhand.
JMM-led alliance was leading in at least 56 seats in the 81-member state assembly, as per Election Commission data on Saturday afternoon.
The performance of the BJP-led NDA, which was confident about its prospects in the state after an aggressive campaign, was poorer than its expectations. It was leading in just 23 seats.
According to the latest EC figures, the JMM was leading in 33 of the 43 seats it contested, the Congress was ahead in 16 of the 30 seats where it fielded candidates, the RJD pulled a surprise and was leading in five of the six seats it fought, while the CPI(ML) Liberation was ahead in two of the four seats it fought.
The BJP was leading in 21 of the 68 seats it contested, while the LJP (Ram Vilas) was leading in the lone seat it fought, and the JD(U) was ahead in one of the two seats it contested.
The AJSU Party was virtually wiped out with its candidates, including chief Sudesh Mahto, trailing in all 10 seats it contested.
State BJP president Babulal Marandi was leading in the Dhanwar seat by 16,691 votes, former CM Champai Soren was nearing victory in Seraikela with a lead of 28,905 votes.
Congress minister Banna Gupta was trailing JDU's Saryu Roy in the Jamshedpur West seat by 21,721 votes.
In Ranchi, CP Singh of BJP was leading against JMM's Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Majhi by 23,308 votes.
JMM candidate Umakant Rajak won the Chandankiyari seat in Jharkhand's Bokaro district on Saturday by a margin of 33,733 votes, according to the Election Commission.
Arjun Rajwar of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha was runner-up in the seat, while Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri of the BJP came third.
Rajak bagged 90,027 votes, while Rajwar secured 56,294 votes.
Bauri managed to secure 56,091 votes.
In the 2019 assembly polls, Bauri defeated Rajak, who contested the seat on an AJSU Party ticket.
Rajak switched to JMM ahead of this election after the Chandankiyari seat went to the BJP as per the seat-sharing arrangement within the NDA.
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's brother Basant Soren won the Dumka assembly seat by 14,588 votes on Saturday, according to the Election Commission.
BJP candidate Sunil Soren was in second place in the seat, securing 81,097 votes.
The JMM candidate secured 95,685 votes.
Basant Soren won the Dumka seat in a bypoll in 2020, defeating BJP's Lois Marandi by 6,842 votes.
In 2019, Hemant Soren contested two seats -- Barhait and Dumka -- and won both.
Later, he vacated the Dumka seat from where his brother Basant Soren got elected in the bypoll.
Meanwhile, state minister Rameshwar Oraon of the Congress won from Lohardaga seat, defeating AJSU Party's Neeru Shanti Bhagat by 34,670 votes, as per the EC
I thank the people of Jharkhand for their support towards us. We will always be at the forefront of raising people’s issues and working for the state.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 23, 2024
I also congratulate the JMM-led alliance for their performance in the state. @HemantSorenJMM
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP co-incharge for the assembly elections in Jharkhand, said the party's loss was deeply painful for him.
Sarma, however, said that the people's mandate must be accepted as that is the true essence of democracy.
"The loss in Jharkhand is deeply painful for me personally, even though we secured victory in all five by-elections in Assam. I have witnessed the unwavering dedication and relentless efforts of our Karyakartas in Jharkhand, who gave their all in this election," he said in a post on X.
Sarma said the BJP fought the elections with a vision to protect the state from "infiltration" and to lead it on the path of development, fulfilling the aspirations of students and the youth.
"However, we must humbly accept the mandate of the people, for that is the true essence of democracy. In these challenging times, we will stand firmly with our Karyakartas, offering them unwavering support and solidarity," he said.
Hemant Soren's JMM-led alliance was all set to retain power in Jharkhand with a massive mandate.
The BJP emerged as the second largest party but its performance was poorer than its expectations.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren retained the Barhait seat defeating BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes, according to the Election Commission.
Soren secured 95,612 votes, while Hembrom got 55,821 votes.
The JMM leader increased his margin in the seat. In 2019, he had won the constituency by 25,740 votes.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed gratitude to people of the state for the INDIA bloc's stellar performance in the assembly polls, asserting that it passed the exam of democracy.
The coalition comprising the JMM, Congress, RJD and CPIM(L) Liberation is headed for a decisive victory, having won 31 seats and leading in 24 others.
Soren has already won from the Barhait seat by a margin of 39,791 votes, defeating BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom.
"We have passed the exam of democracy in Jharkhand; we will finalise our strategy after the election results," Soren said at a press conference here.
"I express my gratitude to the people for this stupendous performance," he said. Soren also said Jharkhand is set to script 'Abua Raj, Abua Sarkar' (own state, own govt).
Meanwhile, AICC general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir said Soren is the CM of Jharkhand and will continue to remain so.
