New Delhi: The counting of votes for the Jharkhand Assembly elections began at 8am on Saturday after voting concluded in two phases on 13 and 20 November. The state faces a high-stakes contest between the ruling Mahagathbandhan and the opposition NDA, making this a critical showdown for both coalitions.
The Mahagathbandhan, comprising the JMM, Congress, and RJD, is vying for a second consecutive term. Meanwhile, the BJP and its ally AJSU are looking to reclaim power after five years in opposition. The campaigns focused on pivotal issues, including tribal rights, constitutional protections, and infiltrator concerns.
Mixed exit poll projections
Exit polls have delivered mixed predictions, with some favouring the NDA and others forecasting a decisive victory for the Mahagathbandhan. The final outcome is set to shape the future of this tribal-dominated state.
Turnout and key battlegrounds
The elections saw a strong voter response:
Phase 1 (13 November): 67% turnout across 43 constituencies.
Phase 2 (20 November): 68.45% turnout in 38 constituencies.
High-stakes constituencies include:
- Ranchi
- Jamshedpur West
- Jaganathpur
- Jamshedpur East
2019 elections recap
In the 2019 assembly elections, the JMM emerged as the largest party with 30 seats, followed by the BJP with 25 and Congress with 16.
Anticipating results
As the vote counting unfolds, early trends will indicate the electoral trajectory. Final results, expected by evening, will reveal which alliance earns the mandate to govern the state.