Sat Nov 23 10:27:27 UTC 2024: ## Jharkhand Election Results: Turncoats Face Mixed Fortunes

**Ranchi, Jharkhand –** Early trends in the Jharkhand Assembly election counting reveal a mixed bag for the many politicians who switched parties in the lead-up to the polls. While most defectors from the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) are trailing, those who left the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or its ally, the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), for the JMM or Congress are currently leading.

High-profile defections dominated the election narrative. Former Chief Minister Champai Soren, who joined the BJP along with his son Babulal Soren and others, is currently leading in Seraikella. However, other prominent defectors, including Sita Soren (BJP) and Geetha Koda (BJP), are trailing in their respective constituencies.

Conversely, several BJP and AJSU leaders who joined the INDIA bloc are faring better. Hemlal Murmu (JMM), Umakant Rajak (JMM), and Janki Prasad Yadav (JMM) are all currently ahead in their races. Jaiprakash Patel, who switched from JMM to BJP and then to Congress, is also leading.

The election saw intense campaigning, with the BJP accusing the JMM-led coalition of prioritizing “power and money,” while the JMM and Congress countered with accusations of BJP voter manipulation and communalism. The state recorded a 67.74% voter turnout across two phases. The final results are still pending, but the early trends highlight the significant impact of party-switching on the outcome of this crucial election.

Read More