What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The second and final phase of Jharkhand’s assembly elections concluded on Wednesday with a strong voter turnout of 68%, marking a significant step in determining the state’s political future.
Voting took place across 38 constituencies in 12 districts, with a total of 1.23 crore eligible voters, including 60.79 lakh women and 147 third-gender electors.
Polling began at 7 AM in 14,218 booths and continued until 5 PM, though 31 booths closed an hour earlier at 4 PM.
Voters in line at that time were still allowed to cast their ballots. The highest turnout was recorded in Jamtara district at 76.16%, followed by Pakur at 75.88%, Deoghar at 72.46%, and Ranchi at 72.01%. The lowest turnout was in Bokaro district at 60.97%.
The ruling JMM-led INDIA alliance is vying to retain power by highlighting its welfare schemes, while the BJP-led NDA seeks to wrest control of the state. “Voting has been peaceful,” said an Election Commission official, reporting a turnout of 67.59% by 5 PM.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to participate in the “great festival of democracy,” emphasizing that each vote strengthens the state.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren also underscored the importance of the second phase, stating it would play a crucial role in building a prosperous Jharkhand. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi echoed the call for voter participation for a brighter future.
The election saw the involvement of 528 candidates, with 18 constituencies from the Santhal Pargana region and the remaining 18 from North and South Chotanagpur. Notably, 239 polling stations were managed entirely by women, and 22 were overseen by persons with disabilities.
The results will be announced on November 23, following the first phase of voting on November 13.
