In a testament to the resilience and democratic spirit of its citizens, Jamshedpur saw a 64.30% voter turnout in the recent parliamentary elections, conducted amidst tight security. Despite the shadow of naxal threats in the region, particularly in the red zones of East Singhbhum district, the rural populace came out in significant numbers to exercise their franchise, ensuring that the electoral process proceeded smoothly and peacefully.
Election officer Ananya Mittal lauded the successful conduct of the elections, noting, "The entire voting process was held peacefully under strict vigil. The parliamentary seat has witnessed an overwhelming response." This year's elections saw heightened security measures, including special surveillance, which played a crucial role in maintaining order throughout the day.
The voting percentage in the six assembly areas under Jamshedpur were Baharagora 70.25 percent, Ghatsila 68.16 percent, Jamshedpur East recorded 56.66%, Jamshedpur West -56.34%, Jugsalai 67.59% Potka 70.70 percent.
The polling day began at 7 AM and concluded at 5 PM, with long queues of voters evident at various polling stations, notably in areas like Jugsalai and Mango. The enthusiasm among voters was palpable, reflecting their commitment to participating in the democratic process.
With 25 candidates contesting for the prestigious Jamshedpur parliamentary seat, the stakes were high. The total electorate for the constituency stands at 1,869,278, comprising 937,412 male voters, 931,733 female voters, and 1,333 transgender voters. Notably, the constituency also includes 15,869 voters identified as Persons with Disabilities (PWD), highlighting the inclusive nature of the electoral process.
The infrastructure to support the voting process was comprehensive and well-organized. The constituency featured a total of 1,887 polling stations, with 1,132 polling halls, 688 booths in urban areas, and 1,199 booths in rural areas. This extensive setup ensured that voters across all regions had ample access to polling facilities.
Given the naxal threat in certain areas, security was a primary concern. The administration deployed significant resources to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the elections. Security personnel were stationed at all polling stations, and additional measures, including aerial surveillance, were implemented to monitor and mitigate any potential threats.
Election officer Mittal emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, "The tight security and vigilant monitoring were crucial in ensuring that voters could cast their ballots without fear or disruption."
The enthusiasm among voters was evident from the early hours of the morning. Residents of Jugsalai and Mango, among other areas, were seen lining up at polling stations well before the official start time. This eagerness to vote was mirrored across the constituency, reflecting a strong engagement with the electoral process.
Inderjit Singh, Founder President of Aagaaz, who cast his vote at booth number 132, Gyandeep Vidyalaya highlighted the positive atmosphere. "There is amazing enthusiasm among the voters," Singh remarked. He also noted the importance of voting consciously for the benefit of the country, underscoring Aagaaz's efforts in raising voter awareness. Singh was accompanied by several first-time voters from Aagaaz, including Rahul Nag, Ravi Singh, Mohit Singh, and Roshan Singh, symbolizing the active participation of the younger generation.
The participation of PWD voters was facilitated through various measures to ensure accessibility. Special arrangements and assistance at polling stations were made to accommodate these voters, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.
The robust polling infrastructure and inclusive measures underscore the administration's commitment to a fair and accessible electoral process. Voter education and awareness campaigns conducted by various organizations, played a significant role in encouraging voter turnout and ensuring that citizens were informed about the importance of their vote.
