Sat Nov 23 02:57:37 UTC 2024: ## Jharkhand Assembly Election Results 2024: Close Contest Between NDA and INDIA Alliances

**Ranchi, Jharkhand, Nov 23, 2024:** The counting of votes for the Jharkhand Assembly elections is underway, with initial trends indicating a close contest between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDIA alliance. As of 6:47 AM, the BJP-led NDA is ahead in 16 seats, while the JMM-Congress INDIA alliance is leading in 12. Postal ballots are currently being counted, followed by EVMs.

The NDA, comprising BJP (68 seats contested), AJSU (10), and JD(U) (2), faces the INDIA alliance consisting of JMM (43), Congress (30), RJD (7), and CPIM (4). Other parties like LJP(R) also contested.

Early trends show a tight race, with both alliances leading in a few seats each. However, the final results remain uncertain, particularly given the conflicting predictions from exit polls. MATRIZE exit polls projected 42-47 seats for the NDA and 25-30 for the INDIA alliance, while AXIS MY INDIA predicted a significant win for the INDIA alliance (53 seats) over the NDA (25 seats). C-Voter showed a closer race, with 34 seats for the NDA and 26 for the INDIA alliance. Chanakya Strategies exit poll predicted a significant win for NDA.

Prominent figures like BJP candidate Champai Soren from Saraikela confidently predicted a BJP-NDA government formation. Conversely, JMM candidate Mahua Maji expressed faith in a JMM-led government, with Hemant Soren as Chief Minister. Babulal Marandi, however, stated he’s not in the race for Chief Ministership.

The election saw a high voter turnout, exceeding 66% in the first phase (November 13th) and 68% in the second (November 20th), compared to 66.4% in 2019. The 2019 election resulted in a JMM-Congress-RJD government led by Hemant Soren. This year’s election is crucial for both alliances, with the future of the state government hanging in the balance. The outcome, expected later today, will determine whether Hemant Soren retains power or if the NDA orchestrates a comeback. The fate of four members of the Soren family, including Hemant and Kalpana Soren, is also tied to the results.

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