Sat Nov 23 01:13:24 UTC 2024: ## Long Lines and Complaints Mark Final Phase of Jharkhand Assembly Elections
**Giridih, November 21, 2024** – The second and final phase of voting for the Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024 concluded on Wednesday, November 20th, with enthusiastic voter turnout reported across the state. However, long queues persisted at several polling booths in the Gandey constituency until late in the evening. At the Fitkoria booth in Bengabad block, significant lines remained even after 4 PM.
While voters expressed their commitment to exercising their franchise, delays in the voting process led to frustration and complaints. Voters at the Fitkoria booth, described as a large polling station, attributed the delays to slow voting procedures. They argued that quicker work by polling staff would have alleviated the hours-long wait. Several voters demanded the Fitkoria center be split into two smaller booths to address the issue of excessive wait times.
Interviewed voters emphasized their focus on selecting candidates who demonstrate a clear vision for the development of their area, prioritizing improvements in education, healthcare, roads, electricity, and water infrastructure. They indicated their intention to support candidates who would effectively address these issues in the Assembly.
Reports also emerged of irregularities at two polling booths in Gandey, with the District Collector promising action against responsible officials. Further incidents included allegations of attempts to cast fraudulent votes at a Giridih polling station. These incidents, alongside the long wait times, overshadowed the otherwise high voter turnout reported across the constituency.
First Piper 