Tue Oct 15 13:30:15 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra & Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: Dates Announced, EC Addresses Concerns

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the dates for the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, scheduled for November 2024. Maharashtra will go to polls in a single phase on November 20th, while Jharkhand will witness voting in two phases – November 13th and 20th. The results for both states will be declared on November 23rd.

**Key Highlights:**

* **Maharashtra:** The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance comprising Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) will face the electorate.
* **Jharkhand:** The incumbent government led by the JMM-Congress-RJD-Left alliance, headed by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, will be seeking re-election.
* **Voting Procedure:** The ECI has assured that the voting process will be conducted peacefully and securely, addressing concerns about law and order in Maharashtra following recent incidents. The commission has also reiterated its commitment to using secure Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), dismissing concerns about their vulnerability.
* **Exit Polls:** The ECI expressed its reservations about exit polls, stating that their results can create confusion among voters.
* **Jharkhand’s Two-Phase Elections:** The ECI clarified that the two-phase polling in Jharkhand is necessary due to the presence of Naxalite activities and other logistical challenges in the state.
* **Voter Turnout:** Maharashtra boasts a voter base of 9.63 crore, while Jharkhand has 2.6 crore registered voters.

The ECI emphasized its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in both states, urging all political parties and candidates to adhere to the electoral code of conduct. The commission has also called upon voters to participate actively in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote.

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