Jharkhand Assembly Elections: A Crucial Battle at the Ballot Box

Jharkhand is set for the first phase of assembly elections, highlighting the battle between the JMM-led coalition and BJP-led NDA. With 683 candidates, including some notable figures, 1.37 crore eligible voters will decide the outcome in 43 seats spread across 15 districts. Security and preparations are in place.

The political stage in Jharkhand is set as 43 out of 81 assembly seats go to polls in the first phase of the state elections. The electoral battle sees 683 candidates, including former Chief Minister Champai Soren, vying for political favor as the JMM-led coalition faces off against the BJP's NDA alliance.

Polling will be held across 15 districts, starting at 7 am and ending at 5 pm, though in 950 booths, voting will conclude at 4 pm. The JMM coalition, leveraging welfare schemes, seeks to maintain power, while the BJP brings an aggressive campaign centered around Hindutva, corruption, and infiltration themes.

Major political leaders have aggressively campaigned across the state. With tight security and extensive arrangements in place, including women and disabled-staffed polling stations, officials predict a decisive day for the future of Jharkhand's governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)