Campaign Ends for Final Phase of Jharkhand Assembly Polls on Nov 20

GG News Bureau
Ranchi, 18th Nov. Campaigning for the second and final phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections concluded on Monday, setting the stage for polling in 38 of the state’s 81 constituencies on November 20. The first phase was held on November 13.

The election pits the ruling JMM-led INDIA bloc against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in a fierce battle. Campaigns featured key leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi.

Among the 38 constituencies, 18 fall in the Santhal Paragana region, where the NDA has raised concerns about alleged large-scale infiltration during the JMM-led government’s tenure.

Key Facts and Figures:

• Eligible Voters: 1.23 crore, including 60.79 lakh women and 147 third-gender voters.
• Candidates: 528 in total, comprising 472 men, 55 women, and one third-gender individual.
• Notable Contestants: Chief Minister Hemant Soren (JMM), Kalpana Soren (JMM), Sita Soren (BJP), BJP state chief Babulal Marandi, Assembly Speaker Ravindra Nath Mahto (JMM), and AJSU Party chief Sudesh Mahto.

The voting will take place across 14,218 polling stations, with 239 entirely managed by women and 22 by persons with disabilities (PwDs). Voting hours will be 7 AM to 5 PM, except at 31 booths where polling will end at 4 PM.

Election Issues:

• NDA Campaign: Focused on infiltration, corruption, and alleged scams.
• INDIA Bloc: Highlighted tribal welfare, rights, and accusations of political vendetta in Chief Minister Soren’s legal troubles.

Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar reported seizures of illegal cash and material worth ₹196 crore since the Model Code of Conduct was enforced.

In the previous assembly elections of 2019, the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance secured 47 seats, defeating the BJP, which dropped to 25 seats from its 2014 tally of 37. The upcoming results, to be announced on November 23, will determine whether the ruling alliance retains its majority or if the NDA stages a comeback.