Voter Turnout at 13.04% in Jharkhand’s First Phase of Assembly Elections
Ranchi: Voter turnout in Jharkhand’s first phase of assembly elections stood at 13.04% by 9 AM on Wednesday, with voting ongoing across 43 constituencies in 15 districts. The polls, which began at 7 AM, will continue until 5 PM. A total of 683 candidates, including former CM Champai Soren and ex-MP Geeta Kora, are contesting the elections. Simdega recorded the highest voter turnout at 15.09%, while Ranchi and Seraikela-Kharsawan saw 12.06% and 14.62%, respectively. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar cast his vote in Ranchi, urging citizens to exercise their right to vote. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who is seeking re-election, asked voters to support his government’s welfare schemes, while the BJP campaigned with an aggressive Hindutva stance. In total, 1.37 crore voters are eligible to vote in this phase, with preparations for smooth voting in place, including 24 booths manned by disabled personnel. The Model Code of Conduct has led to the seizure of Rs 208.78 crore worth of illegal materials and cash. The second phase of voting will take place on November 20, with results announced on November 23.
