Jharkhand Assembly Elections: First Phase Highlights
The first phase of Jharkhand’s assembly elections took place on Wednesday, recording a voter turnout of 64.86% by 5 pm across 43 assembly constituencies. This surpassed the 63.9% turnout in the 2019 elections, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Peaceful and Enthusiastic Voting
Voting began at 7 am and was conducted peacefully without any incidents of violence. The elections were marked by a festive atmosphere and enthusiastic participation, especially in districts with large tribal populations and areas previously affected by Left Wing Extremism.
Diverse Voter Participation
Voters from various groups, including first-time voters, the elderly, women, persons with disabilities, and tribals, actively participated. In the Garhwa district’s Budha Pahad area, known for extremist activity, long queues at the Hesatu Polling station highlighted the democratic spirit.
Additional Elections and Security Measures
Simultaneously, bye-polls were held in 31 assembly constituencies across 10 states and in Kerala’s Wayanad Parliamentary Constituency. The Election Commission ensured smooth operations with webcasting at all polling stations and security measures to counter threats and boycott calls.
Efforts for Inclusivity
For the first time, polling stations were set up in remote tribal areas, allowing residents to vote locally. The electoral roll included 100% enrollment of 1.78 lakh members from 8 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Logistics and Security
Polling officials were airlifted to 225 booths in five districts due to challenging terrains. Enforcement agencies seized over Rs 183 crores in illegal items since the election announcement.
Political Context
The BJP-led NDA aims to unseat the JMM-led coalition, with key candidates like CM Hemant Soren and former CM Champai Soren. Elections for the remaining 38 seats will occur on November 20, with vote counting on November 23.
Doubts Revealed
Jharkhand -: Jharkhand is a state in eastern India, known for its rich mineral resources and diverse culture. It was formed in the year 2000, separating from Bihar.
Assembly Elections -: Assembly elections are held to choose representatives for the legislative assembly of a state in India. These representatives make laws and decisions for the state.
Voter Turnout -: Voter turnout refers to the percentage of eligible voters who actually cast their vote in an election. A high voter turnout means many people participated in the voting process.
Constituencies -: Constituencies are specific geographic areas within a state, each represented by an elected official in the legislative assembly. In Jharkhand, there are 43 such areas in the first phase of elections.
Election Commission -: The Election Commission is a government body responsible for overseeing and conducting elections in India. They ensure that elections are fair and free from any problems.
Webcasting -: Webcasting in elections means using the internet to broadcast live video from polling stations. This helps in monitoring the election process and ensuring transparency.
BJP-led NDA -: BJP-led NDA refers to the National Democratic Alliance, a coalition of political parties in India led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They aim to win control of the state government.
JMM-led coalition -: JMM-led coalition is a group of political parties in Jharkhand led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). They are currently in power and are being challenged by the BJP-led NDA.
