Sat Nov 23 20:28:11 UTC 2024: ## Hemant Soren Returns as Jharkhand Chief Minister in Landslide Victory
**Ranchi, Jharkhand:** Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has secured a resounding victory in the Jharkhand Assembly elections, leading his INDIA alliance to a comfortable majority. The JMM alliance won 56 out of 81 seats, surpassing the majority mark by 15 seats. The BJP-led alliance secured only 24 seats, falling short by 13 seats.
Soren attributed the win to the strong performance of the INDIA bloc and thanked the people of Jharkhand and party workers for their support. He will be the first Chief Minister of Jharkhand to win consecutive elections. Celebrations erupted in Ranchi following the announcement of the results.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Jharkhand and stated that the BJP, now in the opposition, will focus on the state’s development and address issues related to Bangladeshi immigrants.
BJP state president Babulal Marandi questioned the Congress party’s silence on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) issue in Jharkhand, suggesting it only raises concerns after electoral defeats. He extended his congratulations to Soren and accepted the mandate.
Pre-election exit polls were divided, with four predicting a BJP alliance victory, two favoring an INDIA alliance win, and two forecasting a hung assembly. The actual results, however, showcased a clear victory for the JMM-led alliance.
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