ADVANTAGE BJP IN JHARKHAND

But a tight race, nevertheless

The 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections have set the stage for a riveting finish. As the battle for the state's 81-member assembly intensifies, Chief Minister Hemant Soren's JMM-led INDIA Bloc faces a stiff challenge from the BJP-led NDA alliance. Early indicators from exit polls reveal a deeply fragmented mandate, suggesting a fiercely contested outcome with implications for both state and national politics.

Jharkhand witnessed robust voter participation, with turnout surpassing the 67.04% recorded in 2019. Jamtara led the way with an impressive 76.16%, followed by Pakur and Deoghar at 75.88% and 72.46%, respectively. As an aside, Jamtara is nicknamed the phishing capital of India. It got this title because there were numerous incidents of phishing across the country whose centre point was there. And yet, the impressive turnout reveals heightened engagement and underscores the electorate's desire for change amidst ongoing debates on the state's development, infrastructure, and tribal welfare.

The contest has drawn attention to prominent leaders, including Chief Minister Hemant Soren, BJP's Babulal Marandi, and Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto.