Jharkhand witnesses 64.66% polling in first phase
1 min read 30 Nov 2019, 07:59 PM ISTThis is record turnout in these constituencies'Despite the fact that all these assembly constituencies fell in the most Naxal-affected districts, the polling today went off peacefully,' said EC
PremiumNew Delhi: The first phase of polling in Jharkhand for 13 assembly constituencies saw a turnout of 64.66% as of 6 pm on Thursday. The figure is likely to marginally increase as more data pours in.
According to Election Commission (EC), this is record turnout in these constituencies. The corresponding voter turnout in 2014 assembly election for these constituencies was 63.43%.
"Despite the fact that all these assembly constituencies fell in the most Naxal-affected districts the polling today (Saturday) went off peacefully, barring few minor incidents, with very enthusiastic participation of voters," said a press release by the Election Commission on Saturday evening.
Polling for ongoing assembly elections is spread in five phases in Jharkhand and counting is scheduled to take place on 23 December.
The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under chief minister Raghubar Das is seeking a second term while taking on the Grand Alliance of Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Rashtriya Janata Dal and other smaller parties.
The other four phases of polling are scheduled for 7 December, 12 December, 16 December and 20 December. The tenure of the current assembly ends on 5 January. In total, the state has 81 assembly constituencies, out of which nine are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 28 for Scheduled Tribes (ST).
