In this phase, 43 out of the tribal state's total 81 constituencies are up for grabs, with 1.37 crore eligible voters out of total 2.60 crore voters. Across these seats, 683 candidates are in the fray.

Voters across 43 assembly seats in 15 districts are casting their ballots in the first phase today. Voting is also being held for bypolls in 33 assembly seats and Wayanad Lok Sabha seat today where Priyanka Gandhi is a candidate.

The outcome will decide the fate of 683 candidates vying for legislative seats, including 17 general seats, 20 reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and six for Scheduled Castes.

Among the constituencies participating in today's voting, Khunti reported the highest turnout at 34.1%, while East Singhbhum recorded the lowest at 28.3%

Key contests in the election include former CM Champai Soren, now contesting on the BJP ticket in Seraikela, facing off against JMM’s Ganesh Mahli..Jharkhand Assembly Elections. Jharkhand Polls. JMM vs BJP.

Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni casts his vote at a polling booth in Ranchi to cast his vote for the Jharkhand assembly elections. Watch here. Jharkhand election 2024 live updates: Former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni,

BJP candidate Champai Soren said the main issues in the election are “Bangladeshi infiltration, unemployment and irrigation”. “We have to save the land of Sidho-Kanho and Santhal from Bangladeshi

As Jharkhand enters its first phase of elections, voter participation is steadily increasing, with a recorded 29.31% turnout by 11 a.m. today. The turnout varies across districts, with Gumla and Khunti showing the highest participation at 33.