Jharkhand and Wayanad Elections: Priyanka Gandhi’s Debut and Key Contests
On Wednesday, polling begins for the first phase of Jharkhand’s assembly elections, the Wayanad parliamentary seat in Kerala, and bypolls in 33 assembly seats across 11 states. In Jharkhand, the BJP-led NDA aims to unseat the JMM-led coalition, with notable candidates like former Chief Minister Champai Soren and Congress leader Ajoy Kumar.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress General Secretary, is making her electoral debut from Wayanad, a seat previously held by her brother Rahul Gandhi. Rahul, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has campaigned for Priyanka in Wayanad. Priyanka faces competition from LDF’s Satyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas.
Jharkhand’s elections will occur in two phases on November 13 and 20, with the first phase covering 43 seats. Security measures are in place, with polling starting at 7 am and ending at 5 pm, except at 950 sensitive booths where it ends at 4 pm. Utkarsh Kumar, the Returning Officer for Ranchi, confirmed all preparations are complete.
Key candidates include BJP’s Champai Soren in Seraikella, Congress’s Ajoy Kumar in Jamshedpur East, and BJP’s Geeta Koda in Jaganathpur. The remaining 38 constituencies in Jharkhand will vote on November 20, with results announced on November 23.
In the previous elections, JMM won 30 seats, BJP 25, and Congress 16. Over 200 security companies are deployed to ensure a smooth electoral process, with 683 candidates, including 73 women, competing in the first phase.
The 33 bypoll seats include seven in Rajasthan, six in West Bengal, and five in Assam. Voting for Maharashtra’s assembly polls and remaining bypoll seats will occur on November 20.
Doubts Revealed
Jharkhand -: Jharkhand is a state in eastern India known for its rich mineral resources and tribal culture. It was formed in the year 2000, separating from Bihar.
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in the state of Kerala, located in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful hills and wildlife.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra -: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is an Indian politician and a member of the famous Nehru-Gandhi family. She is the daughter of Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, and the sister of Rahul Gandhi.
Assembly elections -: Assembly elections are held to elect representatives for the legislative assembly of a state in India. These representatives make laws and decisions for the state.
Bypolls -: Bypolls, or by-elections, are elections held to fill political offices that have become vacant between general elections. This can happen if a representative resigns or passes away.
Rahul Gandhi -: Rahul Gandhi is an Indian politician and a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family. He has served as the President of the Indian National Congress party.
Champai Soren -: Champai Soren is an Indian politician from Jharkhand, known for his work with the tribal communities. He is a member of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha party.
Ajoy Kumar -: Ajoy Kumar is an Indian politician and former police officer. He has been involved in politics in Jharkhand and has served as a Member of Parliament.
Security is tight -: This means that there are many police and security personnel present to ensure that the elections are conducted safely and without any trouble.
