Fri Nov 22 23:33:58 UTC 2024: ## Jharkhand Assembly Election Results Expected by Afternoon
**Ranchi, [Date]:** The fate of Jharkhand’s next government will be decided today as the counting of votes for the 81 assembly seats begins shortly. Initial trends are expected around 9 am, with final results anticipated by 2 pm. The two-phased elections, held on November 13th and 20th, saw a record voter turnout of 67.74%, exceeding the 66.4% recorded in 2019.
The counting process will begin with Torpa constituency (13 rounds) and conclude with Chatra (27 rounds). Separate halls have been set up for counting postal ballots and EVM votes. A total of 1211 candidates, including 359 crorepatis and 322 with criminal cases, contested the election.
This election marked a significant shift, with both major parties – the BJP and JMM – contesting under alliances for the first time. The BJP allied with AJSU, JD(U), and LJP(R), while the JMM partnered with Congress, RJD, and CPI(ML). Seat-sharing arrangements saw BJP contesting 68 seats, JMM 43, Congress 30, RJD 6, and CPI(ML) 4. Friendly fights were anticipated among alliance partners in Dhanwar, Vishrampur, and Chhatarpur.
The 2019 elections saw JMM, Congress, and RJD forming a coalition government with 47 seats, led by Hemant Soren. BJP won 25 seats contesting alone. Eight exit polls offered conflicting predictions, with four favoring the BJP alliance, two the INDIA alliance, and two predicting a hung assembly.
Hemant Soren’s tenure as Chief Minister has been marked by political instability. He was arrested in a land scam in January, leading to a brief period with Champaai Soren as CM. After his release on bail, Hemant Soren resumed his role in July. Champaai Soren later joined the BJP. The coming hours will reveal whether Hemant Soren will return to power or if the BJP will reclaim the state after five years.
First Piper 