Phase 1 of Jharkhand polls to be held today

New Delhi: Now that the country's attention has finally shifted from the political drama that ensued in Maharashtra after the Assembly poll results in the state were declared; Jharkhand is set to go to polls, with the first phase of assembly elections in the state to be held today. A total of 37,83,055 voters, including 18,01,356 women and five third-gender voters, will vote in the first phase.

The polling will take place in Chatra (SC), Gumla (ST), Bishunpur (ST), Lohardaga (ST), Manika (SC), Latehar (SC), Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur (SC), Hussainabad, Garhwa, and Bhawanathpur constituencies across 3,906 polling stations, out of which 989 will have webcasting facilities.

By dialling 1950, voters will be able to register complaints on poll-related issues, EC officials added. Jharkhand has for quite a while had elections in multiple phases, due to security concerns.

The BJP is contesting in 12 seats in the first phase, while supporting Independent Vinod Singh from Hussainabad. The opposition alliance of the JMM, Congress, and RJD is contesting in four, six and three constituencies, respectively.

Prominent candidates in the fray are BJP nominee and Jharkhand Health Minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi and Jharkhand PCC president and ex-IPS officer Rameshwar Oraon.

Polling will begin at 7 am and conclude at 3 pm. The state will see polls in five phases and results will be declared on December 23.