Who Has the Upper Hand in the Jharkhand First Phase Elections?

The first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections is set to take place today, covering 43 of the state’s 81 assembly constituencies. Approximately 13.7 million voters are expected to cast their ballots. Among the 683 candidates in the fray, 609 are men, 73 are women, and one is transgender. Polling is scheduled from 7 AM, with some constituencies closing by 4 PM and others by 5 PM.

Key Tribal Constituencies at Stake

A fierce battle is anticipated between the NDA and the INDIA coalition. In the previous 2019 elections, the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance won 25 out of these 43 seats, while BJP secured 13, with independent candidates winning two and the NCP and JVM securing one seat each. This phase includes 20 seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and six for Scheduled Castes (SC). The INDIA alliance has high hopes of winning these ST-reserved constituencies, with Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s recent legal challenges potentially adding to voter sympathy. Soren has also emphasized tribal rights in his campaign, while the BJP has launched efforts to connect with tribal voters.

Former Chief Ministers' Wives in the Running

Notable candidates include former Chief Minister Champai Soren, who recently joined the BJP from the JMM and is contesting from his stronghold of Seraikela. Other prominent areas to watch include Ranchi, Jamshedpur West and East, Jagannathpur, Lohardaga, Garhwa, Chaibasa, and Latehar. In a twist, former Chief Minister Madhu Koda’s wife Geeta Koda is contesting from Jagannathpur, while former Chief Minister Arjun Munda’s wife Meera is running from Potka on a BJP ticket, adding further intrigue to these constituencies