The upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections mark a critical juncture, not just for the state but for national politics as well. On November 13, voters in 43 of Jharkhand’s 81 constituencies across 15 districts will cast their ballots, kicking off the first phase of the electoral process. The second phase, scheduled a week later, coincides with the Maharashtra Assembly elections, where all 288 seats are being contested. Polling stations in Jharkhand will operate from 7 am to 5 pm, although some will close earlier at 4 pm due to location-specific factors. Of the total polling stations set up, 12,716 are in rural areas, underlining the state’s emphasis on reaching every voter, even in remote regions.
This election phase features 683 candidates, with 73 women, competing for seats reserved across general, Scheduled Tribe, and Scheduled Caste categories. Security is a top priority, with the Election Commission deploying over 200 companies of security forces to prevent any potential disruptions or threats, especially in high-sensitivity zones. The state’s election authorities have taken proactive steps to ensure an inclusive voting process: 1,152 polling stations will be managed exclusively by women, while 24 will be operated by differently-abled personnel, symbolizing a broader commitment to representation and equality.
The political stakes are particularly high, as the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), aligned with the INDIA bloc, faces off against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The INDIA bloc, comprising the JMM, Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Left parties, will look to maintain its foothold against a strong NDA, whose allies include the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) and Janata Dal (United). In the 2019 Jharkhand Assembly election, the JMM led by Hemant Soren emerged victorious with 30 seats, with the BJP winning 25 and the Congress securing 16. This led to the formation of a coalition government led by Hemant Soren as Chief Minister. Following his arrest earlier this year, Champai Soren assumed the role of acting Chief Minister and is now contesting the Seraikella seat against JMM’s Ganesh Mahli. The rivalry between JMM and BJP-aligned NDA candidates reflects a broader ideological contest over development models, tribal rights, resource management, and governance in the state.
Notable candidates in the first phase include Geeta Koda, the wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, who is running as a BJP candidate in Jagannathpur against Congress leader Sona Ram Sinku. In the Ranchi constituency, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji of the JMM is set to challenge the incumbent BJP candidate, CP Singh, in what is expected to be a closely watched contest. In Jamshedpur East, Congress candidate Ajoy Kumar faces Purnima Das Sahu, daughter-in-law of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and current Odisha Governor Raghubar Das. Meanwhile, Congress Health Minister Banna Gupta is contending against JD(U) leader Saryu Roy in Jamshedpur West. In this seat, Roy notably defeated then-Chief Minister Raghubar Das in the 2019 elections.
To address concerns around law and order and code violations, Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar reported that authorities have so far seized illegal goods and cash worth Rs 179.14 crore in connection with the election, and have filed 54 cases of alleged violations under the Model Code of Conduct. This preemptive enforcement reflects the Election Commission's commitment to a free and fair electoral process, setting a strong precedent for both transparency and accountability.
The Jharkhand Assembly elections are seen as a microcosm of the larger political dynamics shaping India. With major issues such as economic development, social justice, environmental protection, and tribal welfare on the table, this election could signal a shift in the state’s approach to governance. It will also impact the alliances and strategies of national parties, setting the stage for future elections in other states and, ultimately, the general election. As voters head to the polls, all eyes will be on the electoral process in Jharkhand, where a clear mandate will be key in steering the state toward stability and growth.
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