Sat Nov 23 02:00:52 UTC 2024: ## Jharkhand Election Results Imminent: Exit Polls Predict Tight Race

**Ranchi, November 22** – Jharkhand braces for a tense outcome in the state assembly elections as results are due to be announced tomorrow. Exit polls released today paint a sharply divided picture, with projections ranging from a comfortable NDA victory to a commanding win for the incumbent JMM-led INDIA alliance.

Voting concluded Wednesday across two phases, covering all 81 seats. Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s JMM, leading the INDIA alliance, is facing a strong challenge from the BJP-led NDA, which includes the AJSU and JD(U).

The exit polls offer conflicting narratives. Matrize and Times Now-JVC predict a narrow NDA win, with seat projections ranging from 40 to 47. However, People’s Pulse projects a more decisive NDA victory, estimating 42-48 seats for the NDA against just 16-23 for the JMM. Conversely, Axis My India and P Marq suggest a clear win for the INDIA alliance, with predictions of 37-59 seats. Dainik Bhaskar is the only pollster forecasting a hung assembly, with both alliances projected to secure around 36-40 seats.

Despite the mixed predictions, the JMM expressed confidence in forming the government again, claiming a two-thirds majority. JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya stated, “After the counting of votes on November 23, our government will return with a new mandate and with a focus on public good.” They further asserted that the BJP would struggle in 11 of the state’s 24 districts.

Several key constituencies are under close watch, including Barhait (Hemant Soren’s contest), Dhanwar (Babulal Marandi’s contest), Dumri (Bebi Devi), Gande (Kalpana Soren), and Jamtara (Dr. Irfan Ansari vs. Sita Soren). The state awaits the final results with bated breath.

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