Election Results 2024: Early Trends Show BJP Ahead, Hemant Soren’s JMM Trails in Close Contest

New Delhi:
The initial leads in the Jharkhand Assembly election results reveal the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gaining an edge, while Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is trailing. The elections, conducted across two phases for 81 seats, concluded on Wednesday.

The first phase covered 43 constituencies, with the remaining 38 seats contested in the second phase. The ruling JMM, leading the INDIA alliance, faces stiff competition from the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes allies like the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) and Janata Dal (United).

Exit Polls Signal a Tight Race

Exit polls indicate a closely contested election with varying predictions:

• Matrize predicts the NDA securing 42-47 seats, while the INDIA bloc is expected to win 25-30 seats.
• TimesNow-JVC forecasts 40-44 seats for the NDA and 30-40 seats for the JMM-led alliance.
• People’s Pulse offers the most decisive prediction, giving the NDA a clear majority with 42-48 seats compared to the JMM’s 16-23 seats.

However, other agencies paint a different picture:

• Axis My India predicts a strong performance for the INDIA bloc with 49-59 seats, leaving the NDA behind.
• P Marq suggests 37-47 seats for INDIA and fewer for the NDA.
• Dainik Bhaskar is the only agency forecasting a hung assembly, predicting both alliances will fall short of the 41-seat majority, securing 36-40 seats each.

Confident JMM Challenges Exit Polls

Despite projections favoring the NDA, the JMM remains confident of retaining power with a two-thirds majority. Party spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya stated, “Our government will return with a new mandate focused on the public good.” The JMM claims the BJP will struggle in 11 of the state’s 24 districts.

High-Stakes Constituencies

Several key constituencies are under the spotlight:

• Barhait: Hemant Soren is locked in a challenging contest.
• Dhanwar: BJP leader Babulal Marandi vies for a crucial win.
• Dumri: Bebi Devi of the INDIA bloc faces stiff competition.
• Gande: Kalpana Soren, Hemant Soren’s wife, is a prominent candidate.
• Jamtara: Congress leader Dr. Irfan Ansari and JMM’s Sita Soren engage in a highly anticipated battle.

With counting underway, all eyes are on whether the BJP can consolidate its early lead or if the JMM can stage a comeback to form the government again.