Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, along with his wife and MLA Kalpana Soren, cast their votes on Wednesday at Saint Francis School in Harmu, Ranchi. Speaking to the media afterward, Hemant Soren highlighted the importance of voting, saying, “Today is the great festival of democracy. I urge every citizen to come forward and strengthen our democratic system by exercising their franchise.”
Soren Responds to Infiltration Allegations
When asked about BJP’s allegations regarding Bangladeshi infiltration, Soren stayed focused on the electoral process. He deferred his response, saying, “I will answer this question later,” underlining that today’s priority was the democratic exercise.
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Former CM Champai Soren Confident in BJP’s Prospects
In Jilingora village, Gamarhia block, former Chief Minister and BJP candidate for the Saraikela seat, Champai Soren, also cast his vote at booth number 220. Champai, who arrived with his family, expressed optimism about his party’s chances, stating, “The BJP-led NDA government will secure a strong majority in the state.” His son, Babulal Soren, also voted in the Ghatsila constituency.
Key Leaders Participate in Ranchi
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh joined voters in Ranchi, encouraging citizens to participate and proudly showing his inked finger. Other prominent figures, such as Union Minister of State for Defence and Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth, former Assembly Speaker and BJP candidate C.P. Singh, and JMM’s Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Mahua Maji, cast their votes at their respective polling stations.
BJP Candidate Neera Yadav Votes in Koderma
In Koderma, BJP candidate and former minister D Neera Yadav cast her vote at booth number 239 in Indarwa Jharitand, joined by her family. Yadav’s presence in the constituency underscores her commitment to the party’s campaign.
Voter Turnout Update
According to the Election Commission, voter turnout reached 29.31% by 11 a.m., with the highest turnout recorded in Khunti district at 34.12% and the lowest in Ranchi at 17.85%. This first phase covers 43 seats with 15,344 polling stations, as 1.37 crore voters determine the fate of 683 candidates. The electorate includes 68.73 lakh male voters, 68.36 lakh female voters, and 303 third-gender voters, with 6.51 lakh young voters aged 18-19.
The second phase of voting will follow on November 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.
