The campaigning for the second phase of the Jharkhand Assembly Election ended today (Monday) evening, marking the final push for votes ahead of polling. The voting for 38 seats in the second phase of the polls will be held on November 20.
This phase, considered pivotal for the state’s political landscape, will see voting across 38 constituencies on November 20, with a total of 528 candidates in the fray. Prominent candidates whose fate will be decided in this fray includes Chief Minister Hemant Soren from Barhait, Soren’s wife and JMM leader Kalpana Soren from Gandey, BJP State president Babulal Marandi from Dhanwar, ex-Deputy CM Sudesh Mahto, Assembly Speaker Ravindra Nath Mahto, and four cabinet ministers— Irfan Ansari, Hafizul Hasan, Deepika Pandey Singh, and Baby Devi. Also in the spotlight are influential figures such as Sita Soren, Louis Marandi, and Lobin Hembram. Out of 528 candidates there are 472 male while 55 women, and one non-binary individual.
After 5 PM on Monday, strict election rules will come into force. No outsiders will be allowed to remain in the constituencies, and party workers found violating this rule may face action.
State Chief Election Officer K Ravi Kumar has emphasized compliance with polling regulations, including the prohibition of camps within a 200-meter radius of polling stations unless approved. Religious or encroached sites cannot be used for election purposes, and the display of party symbols or flags in such areas is strictly banned.
Voters are reminded to carry their voter slips or any of the 12 approved identity documents on election day. Counting of votes will take place on November 23, with results expected the same day.
Among the 38 constituencies, Bokaro holds the highest number of voters, with 5,84,275 registered electors. On the other hand, the Littipara constituency, a reserved seat, has the least number of voters at 2,17,847.
In terms of geographical area, Mandu is the largest constituency, covering an expansive area of 1,327.37 square kilometres, while Jharia stands as the smallest, spanning just 70.51 square kilometres.
This phase differs from the first phase with a higher number of general seats. Out of the 38 constituencies, 27 are general seats, while eight are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and three for Scheduled Castes (SC).
Star campaigners of both the NDA and the India bloc made last-ditch efforts to woo voters in favor of their party candidates. Addressing election rally at Rajmahal in Sahibganj district Senior BJP leader and UP chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured people to oust Bangladeshi infiltrators if BJP led government voted to power. He said Hemant Soren is protecting infiltrators for votebank only.
On the other hand Senior JMM leader and Chief Minister Hemant Soren alleged BJP for dividing society in the name of religion. Addressing an election meeting at Jamtara, Mr Soren said the BJP is misguiding people in the name of development.
Several BJP leaders including Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Champai Soren are also addressing campaigns in support of NDA candidates.
