New Delhi: The counting of votes for the Jharkhand Assembly elections began at 8am on Saturday, following voting in two phases on 13 and 20 November. The state is witnessing an intense battle between the ruling Mahagathbandhan and the opposition NDA, marking a critical political contest for both alliances.
Key alliances in the fray
The Mahagathbandhan, which includes the JMM, Congress, and RJD, is striving for a second consecutive term. On the other hand, the BJP and its ally AJSU are keen on making a comeback after spending five years in opposition. Campaigns by both coalitions focused on a mix of critical issues, including tribal rights, constitutional safeguards, and concerns over infiltrators.
Exit poll projections
Exit polls have presented a mixed picture. While some predict a win for the NDA, others foresee a decisive victory for the Mahagathbandhan, leaving the final outcome crucial for the tribal-dominated state’s political future.
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Voter turnout and key battlegrounds
The elections saw a robust turnout, with 67% of voters participating in the first phase across 43 constituencies on 13 November. The second phase on 20 November, covering 38 constituencies, recorded an even higher turnout of 68.45%.
Key constituencies include:
Jamtara: A significant battle to watch.
Lohardaga: Known for tight electoral contests.
Dumka: Features a high-profile face-off.
| Constituency | Winner | Loser |
| Jamtara | ||
| Lohardaga | ||
| Dumka | ||
| Chakradharpur |
2019 election summary
In the last assembly elections, the JMM emerged as the single largest party with 30 seats, while the BJP and Congress secured 25 and 16 seats, respectively.
What to expect
As the vote counting progresses, early trends will offer clues about the likely winner. However, the final results, expected by the evening, will confirm which alliance secures the mandate to govern the state.
