AMN / WEB DESK
Over 66% voter turnout recorded in 1st phase of Jharkhand elections. Polling concluded peacefully for the first phase of assembly elections in Jharkhand. Nearly 66 per cent of voting was recorded till 5 PM. The highest, over 77 per cent voting, was recorded from Kharsawan.
Forty-three constituencies spread across 15 districts went to the polls in this phase. Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar said the voting percentage is likely to increase as reports from remote areas are yet to come.
After today’s poll, the political fortunes of 683 candidates were sealed in EVMs. Important candidates whose fates will be decided during today’s poll include former Chief Minister Champai Soren of the BJP from Saraikela, Rajya Sabha MP and JMM candidate Mahua Maji from Ranchi, Rameshwar Orao of the Congress from Lohardaga, Saryu Rai of Janata Dal (United) from Jamshedpur (West), and Hare Lal Mahto of AJSU from Ichagarh. The second phase of polling will be on the 20th of this month. The counting of votes will take place on the 23rd of this month.