First Phase of Jharkhand Elections 2024 Concludes with 64.86% Voter Turnout
The first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections concluded peacefully on November 13, 2024, with an impressive voter turnout of 64.86%. The polling took place across 43 constituencies, surpassing the 63.9% turnout in the same constituencies during the 2019 elections. Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Jharkhand, Dr. Neha Arora, reported that some polling stations were still active as voters continued to queue before the closing hours.
Key Voting Details:
- The elections were held in 15 districts, with Kharsawan registering the highest turnout of 77.32%, followed by Baharagora (76.15%) and Lohardaga (73.21%). The lowest turnout was observed in Ranchi, with only 51.5% voter participation.
- The Budha Pahad region in Garhwa, previously considered an extremist stronghold, witnessed long queues and peaceful voting, marking a significant milestone with polling taking place at the newly set up Hesatu Polling Station for the first time.
- Voters in West Singhbhum’s Manoharpur and Jaganathpur constituencies defied boycott calls and threats from extremists to cast their ballots, with security forces ensuring a smooth process at stations in Sonapi and Rabangada.
Voter Accessibility Improvements:
- For the first time, Lakhaidih village in the Potka Assembly seat, with a 100% tribal population, saw a polling station established locally, eliminating the need for voters to travel long distances through forests and hilly routes.
Security and Enforcement:
- Since the election announcement, over ₹183 crore worth of seizures have been made, including ₹145 crore in freebies and ₹13 crore in drugs. Inaccessible booths in five districts, due to dense forests and Left Wing Extremist activity, were served by airlifted polling officials.
Election Commission Actions:
- The Election Commission has also taken disciplinary action, suspending Rajasthan cadre IPS officer Kishan Sahay Meena for leaving his post in Jharkhand without permission. A new police observer has been appointed in his place.
The provisional voter turnout figure of 64.86% is expected to be updated regularly on the Voter Turnout App as the election authorities finalize the data and address any repoll requirements. A total of 683 candidates' fates are now sealed in the EVMs.
