Jharkhand Election Results: Will BJP Stage A Comeback Or Will JMM Hold On To Power?

In less than 24 hours, the people of Jharkhand will know which party will rule them for next five years. The counting of votes for 81 seats will be held on Saturday.

The counting process will begin with postal ballots at 8 am, with trends expected by 9 am. With voter turnout at a record 67.74%-the highest since Jharkhand's formation in 2000-the battle of ballots has captured nationwide attention.

"The entire process will be conducted under the full glare of the media and in the presence of candidates or their representatives," PTI quoted an Election Commission official as saying.

The High-Stakes Contest

Jharkhand witnessed voting in two phases-43 seats on November 13 and the remaining 38 on November 20. The election has turned into a fierce contest between the ruling JMM-led INDIA alliance, which seeks to consolidate its position, and the BJP-led NDA, aiming for a comeback.

Prominent candidates include Chief Minister Hemant Soren contesting from Barhait, his wife Kalpana from Gandey, BJP's Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri from Chandankiyari, and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi from Dhanwar. The battle also involves Congress's Deepika Pandey Singh (Mahagama), JMM's Rabindra Nath Mahato (Nala), AJSU Party's Sudesh Mahto (Silli), and former CM Champai Soren (Seraikela).

However, the JMM-led coalition has focused on welfare schemes, alleging that the BJP misused central agencies like the ED and CBI to target opposition leaders. Hemant Soren has also accused the BJP of spending over ₹500 crore on a "malicious campaign" against him.

Of Jharkhand's 81 seats, 28 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and nine for Scheduled Castes (SCs). In 2019, the JMM dominated ST-reserved constituencies, securing 19 seats. This time, the INDIA bloc and the NDA have fielded candidates across all constituencies, with friendly contests in a few seats.

The BJP and its allies-AJSU Party, JD(U), and LJP-are contesting 81 seats, while the INDIA bloc, comprising the JMM, Congress, RJD, and CPI(ML), has strategically divided constituencies.

Exit Polls Results

Exit polls have delivered mixed predictions. While some forecast a BJP victory, others lean towards the INDIA bloc retaining power. The BJP has campaigned on issues of corruption and alleged infiltration under the JMM government. Top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, have extensively attacked Hemant Soren, accusing him of mismanagement and corruption.

What's at Stake?

The BJP is eyeing a comeback, buoyed by its stronghold in urban and semi-urban regions. The JMM, bolstered by its alliance with Congress and RJD, aims to strengthen its grip on tribal and rural constituencies.

However, elaborate arrangements have been made across counting centers, where Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) will oversee the process. Security has been tightened with video surveillance to ensure transparency.