Jharkhand Election Result 2019 Updates: Raghubar Das takes blame for result, says failure to forge alliance behind BJP's loss

JMM wins 29 seats, Congress wins 14 seats

According to the latest numbers, the JMM has won in 29 seats, while it is leading in one seat. Meanwhile, the BJP has won in 22 seats, and is leading in 3 seats.

7 months after win in Lok Sabha polls, BJP faces another setback in Assembly election

‘Arrogant BJP demolished’: Opposition leaders laud JMM chief Hemant Soren over Jharkhand polls, link results to CAA, NRC backlash

As noted in this article , Opposition leaders — from West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and NCP and Shiv Sena party leaders and their spokespersons in Maharashtra — linked the outcome of the Jharkhand elections to the ongoing protests over the CAA and NRC and said an “arrogant” BJP had been demolished by the public.

Key takeaways from Jharkhand poll results: Regional parties defy BJP’s expansionist ambitions, Congress strikes right note with allies, Modi magic wanes

An article by Debobrat Ghose for Firstpost notes: “The Jharkhand Assembly election results seem to be on the lines of a trend that has emerged in the country’s political scenario over the past few state elections: despite the expansionist wave of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), regional parties are holding their ground and, in some instances, even emerging stronger. This is by far the biggest takeaway from the Jharkhand results; the other being the changing equations of the BJP and the Congress with their allies.”

Jharkhand Assembly results a referendum on Raghubar Das; BJP erred by not changing leadership despite warning signs

An article by Sanjay Singh for Firstpost notes:

“While the result might come as a surprise to many outside Jharkhand — coming at a time when the BJP is perceived to be riding high after the abrogation of Article 370, the Ayodhya verdict and Parliament passing the Citizenship Amendment Act — those who had their ears to the ground in the mineral-rich tribal state knew that the BJP was going to be in a tough spot come election season.

The writing on the wall is more than clear. Not because Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has taken a dip in Jharkhand, or its people developed a dislike for the party, which swept parliamentary elections only six months ago. But because Chief Minister Raghubar Das rubbed a lot of people, including some of his party leaders and workers, the wrong way.”

Hope Hemant Soren fulfils people’s dreams, says Raghubar Das

Raghubar Das, who recently submitted his resignation to the Jharkhand governor, has been quoted by ANI as saying, “The people’s mandate has not been in favour of the BJP, but whatever has been the verdict of the people, we respect it. I hope Hemant Soren and his govt will work to fulfill the dreams of the people.”

JMM wins 15 seats

According to the latest numbers, the JMM has won in 14 seats, while it is leading in another 16. Meanwhile, the BJP is leading in 11 seats, and has won 14 so far.

Raghubar Das submits resignation

#JharkhandAssemblyElections2019: Chief Minister Raghubar Das tenders his resignation from the post to Governor Draupadi Murmu, at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi. pic.twitter.com/Dk1PChjZ39

— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2019

Raghubar Das arrives at Raj Bhavan to submit resigation 

Raghubar Das has arrived at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi and is expected to hand in his resignation.

Party-wise tally at 7 pm

Total seats: 81

Results declared: 22

JMM– 8

BJP – 9

Congress – 4

AJSU party – 1

Trends available: 59

Parties leading:

BJP  – 16

JMM –  22

Cong – 11

RJD –  1

JVM-P – 3

AJSU party – 2

CPI (ML-Liberation) – 1

NCP – 1

IND – 2

PTI

Hemant Soren wins from Dumka, Barhait

ANI has reported that Hemant Soren has won the Dumka Assembly constituency by a margin of 13,188 votes and Barhait assembly constituency by a margin of 25,740 votes.

JMM wins 8 seats

According to the latest numbers, the JMM has won in 8 seats, while it is leading in 22. Meanwhile, the BJP is leading in 17 seats, and has won 9 so far.

Raghubar Das had won from Jamshedpur East five times since 1995

Raghubar Das, who is heading towards a defeat from Jamshedpur East, had earlier won from the constituency five times since 1995. Saryu Roy, who appears set for a win from the constituency, contested as an Independent after he was denied a ticket from Jamshedpur West.

Modi congratulates Hemant Soren for ‘victory’ in Jharkhand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Hemant Soren for the victory in the Jharkhand and has also said, “I thank the people of Jharkhand for having given the BJP the opportunity to serve the state for many years. I also applaud the hardworking Party Karyakartas for their efforts. We will continue serving the state and raising people-centric issues in the times to come.”

Congratulations to @HemantSorenJMM Ji and the JMM-led alliance for the victory in the Jharkhand polls. Best wishes to them in serving the state.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 23, 2019

We respect popular mandate in Jharkhand, says Amit Shah

Amit Shah, reacting to the Jharkhand Assembly election results, has said, “We respect the mandate given by the people of Jharkhand. We express our heartfelt thanks to the people for having allowed us to serve them for five years. The BJP will always remain committed to the state’s development. I laud all workers for their untiring efforts.”

हम झारखंड की जनता द्वारा दिये गये जनादेश का सम्मान करते हैं।

भाजपा को 5 वर्षों तक प्रदेश की सेवा करने का जो मौका दिया था उसके लिए हम जनता का हृदय से आभार व्यक्त करते हैं। भाजपा निरंतर प्रदेश के विकास के लिए कटिबद्ध रहेगी।

सभी कार्यकर्ताओं का उनके अथक परिश्रम के लिए अभिनंदन।

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 23, 2019

Hemant Soren rides a bicycle at home to celebrate JMM victory

A jubilant JMM working president Hemant Soren on Monday celebrated his party’s winning spree in the Jharkhand assembly polls by riding a bicycle at his home.

The counting of votes, has thrown up a clear mandate for the tribal party and its pre-poll allies – the Congress and RJD.

Soren even gave a photo-op to the waiting TV camerapersons and news photographers as he rode the bicycle in circles at his home.

PTI

Rajendra Prasad Singh wins from Bermo

Congress leader Rajendra Prasad Singh has wrested the Bermo Assembly constituency from the BJP by defeating saffron leader Yogeshwar Mahto. Singh won the election by 25,172 votes. BJP’s Mahto had won the seat in 2014 with a margin of 12,613 votes. Bermo had voted in phase three of the Assembly election.

It’s my defeat, not of BJP: Raghubar Das on Assembly poll trends

Conceding loss in the assembly polls, Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Monday said it was his defeat, not of the BJP.

As per the latest trends available on the Election Commission website, Das was trailing BJP rebel candidate and former minister Saryu Roy by over 10,000 votes in Jamshedpur (East) constituency.

“It is not BJP’s defeat, it is my defeat,” Das told reporters at a press conference here.

The BJP contested 79 seats, supported an Independent candidate in one constituency and did not put up nominee against AJSU Party president Sudesh Mahto.

The saffron party’s Bihar allies–the JD(U) and LJP–contested the elections on their own and none of their candidates was leading anywhere.

PTI

People have decided to keep BJP away from power: Sharad Pawar

Reacting to the Jharkhand election results, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar said, “The result of Jharkhand Assembly Polls that has come today clearly states that people are with non-BJP parties. After Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, people have decided to keep BJP away from power in Jharkhand also.”

‘It is my defeat, not of BJP’, says Raghubar Das 

Current chief minister Raghubar Das has reacted to the results, saying, “It is my defeat, not of BJP.”

JMM-Congress-RJD will meet to decide future course of action, says Hemant Soren

Hemant Soren, the chief ministerial candidate of the opposition alliance, which is on way to a decisive victory over the ruling BJP, Monday said the people of Jharkhand have given a clear majority to the JMM/Congress/RJD combine.

Soren, who has been projected as the chief ministerial candidate of the alliance, said all the Opposition partners will meet to “strategize the future course of action”.

He thanked Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and his father and JMM president Shibu Soren.

PTI

JMM’s Niral Purty retains Majhgaon seat

Niral Purty of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has retained the Majhgaon Assembly constituency. Purty defeated BJP’s Bhupendra Pingua in Majhganon by 47,192 votes. The JMM leader had won the seat in 2014 as well 11,182 votes.

As BJP looks set to lose Jharkhand, Twitter has field day

The BJP, in its campaign, had sought to touch upon emotive issues such as the NRC. As the party appears likely to lose the election despite this, several Twitter users sought to give the poll results a satirical turn.

In the year of masterstrokes like Ram Mandir, 370, and CAB-NRC - Jharkhand ki moorakh janta ne roti, zameen, aur naukri maang li kya?

— Aisi Taisi Democracy (@AisiTaisiDemo) December 23, 2019

JMM’s Joba Majhi wins from Manoharpur

Joba Majhi of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has won the Manoharpur Assembly seat. Majhi defeated BJP candidate Gurucharan Nayak by 16,019 votes. Majhi had won the seat in 2104 as well. The winning margin was 1,6569 in 2014.

AJSU’s Lambodar Mahto wins from Gomia

Lambodar Mahto of AJSU Party has won the Gomia  seat. He defeated Babita Devi of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha by 10,937 votes. Mahto wrested the seat from JMM whose candidate Yogendra Prasad had won the seat by 37,514 votes in 2014.

JMM-Congress-RJD lead in 43 seats, BJP leads in 27 seats

According to the latest numbers on the EC website, the JMM, Congress and RJD together are leading in 43 seats, which is above the majority mark, while the BJP is leading in 27 seats.

New chapter will begin for state, says Hemant Soren

Hemant Soren also said while speaking to the media, “Today, a new chapter will begin for this state. I want to assure everyone that their hopes will not be broken irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and profession.”

Jharkhand poll results verdict against NRC, CAA: Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said the Jharkhand Assembly poll results appeared to be a verdict against the NRC and CAA.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo said BJP leaders had “aggressively” campaigned in the last two phases of the Jharkhand Assembly polls, raising the issues of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

“So it appears that the people of at least one state have conclusively given their verdict that they do not want it (CAA and NRC),” he said at a press conference here.

Kejriwal congratulated Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s (JMM) Hemant Soren for the poll victory and said the BJP’s electoral loss meant that its government did not perform well in Jharkhand.

PTI

Thank voters for mandate, says Hemant Soren

Hemant Soren, addressing the media, said, “Today is the last day of the electoral process in the Jharkhand. I thank the voters of Jharkhand for the mandate that they have given us. For me, this is a day to take a resolve to fulfil aspirations of the people.”

Soren has also thanked allies Lalu Prasad Yadav from the RJD, and Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

Hemant Soren to address the media

Soren is likely to stake claim to form the government in Jharkhand soon, with the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance having crossed the majority mark.

Hemant Soren may be next Jharkhand CM

#JharkhandAssemblyElections | In Dumka, Hemant Soren is leading by 8,476 votes against the #BJP's Lois Marandi. If the JMM-led alliance wins, he may be the next CM of #Jharkhand. Follow LIVE updates: https://t.co/s3SLheNCCa pic.twitter.com/oouFvqBBJX

— Firstpost (@firstpost) December 23, 2019

Non-BJP parties must rally around Congress to save Constitution: P Chidambaram

Even as the JMM-led alliance looks set to win the Assembly election in Jharkhand, Congress leader P Chidambaram has said, “All non-BJP parties must rally around Congress to save Constitution.”

BJP’s Nilkanth Singh Munda wins from Khunti

Nilkanth Singh Munda of the Bharatiya Janata Party has won the Khunti Assembly constituency. He defeated JMM’s Sushil Pahan by  a margin of 26,327 votes. As per latest trends, BJP has won two seats and is leading in 25 seats; JMM is leading in 29 seats.

Munda has increased its winning margin since the 2014 Assembly election when he had won the seat by 21,515 votes.

Hemant Soren leads by 8,476 votes in Dumka

In Dumka, Hemant Soren is leading by 8,476 votes against the BJP’s Lois Marandi.

Raghubar Das trails by 8,551 votes in Jamshedpur East

According to the latest official numbers, chief minister Raghubar Das is trailing by 8,551 votes behind Saryu Roy.

Dedicate win to people of Jharkhand: Hemant Soren

JMM chief Hemant Soren thanked West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and said that he dedicates the win to the people of Jharkhand. The JMM-led alliance appears likely to win a majority on its own.

Thank you @MamataOfficial Didi for your wishes. This has been a battle to establish democratic will & socially inclusive Jharkhand. I dedicate this victory to the people of Jharkhand. https://t.co/KoGpH1JPHz

— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) December 23, 2019

BJP ruled states in 2017 vs BJP-ruled states in December 2019

If the current trends persist, #Jharkhand will become the latest state to slip out of the #BJP's hand; here's look at how the saffron party's fortunes have fallen as compared to December 2017 | Follow LIVE updates here #JharkhandAssemblyPolls https://t.co/FWHYP1BYw6 pic.twitter.com/clWXZpOlXk

— Firstpost (@firstpost) December 23, 2019

BJP’s Koche Munda wins Torpa seat, defeats JMM’s Sudeep Guria

BJP candidate Koche Munda has defeated JMM’s Sudeep Guria in the Torpa Assembly constituency. Munda defeated Guria by 9,630 votes. JMM had won the seat in 2014. Based on current trends, JMM is leading in 29 seats while the BJP has won and is leading in 23 seats.

Mamata congratulates Hemant Soren as JMM-Congress-RJD lead

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated JMM chief Hemant Soren and Opposition alliance members RJD and Congress as early trends showed the alliance as leading in 47 seats.

Congratulations @HemantSorenJMM ji, @RJDforIndia, @INCJharkhand on winning. People of Jharkhand have entrusted U to fulfill their aspirations. My good wishes to all brothers/sisters in Jharkhand. Elections were held during #CAA_NRC_Protest. This is a verdict in favour of citizens

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 23, 2019

‘Victory of people,’ says Hemant Soren as JMM emerges as the largest party in latest trends

Speaking to CNN-News18, JMM chief Hemant Soren said the election trends are a victory of the people.

“This is a victory of the people of Jharkhand towards making a socially inclusive equitable state on the vision of Guruji and each and everyone who fought and formed this state,” he said.

Based on the latest trends, JMM is leading in 29 seats while the BJP is leading in 23 seats.

JMM now single largest party with 29 leads as per latest trends; BJP tally retreats to 24  

According to latest trends on Election Commission website, the JMM has secured a lead on 29 seats as of now and the pre-poll alliance between JMM-Congress-RJD is together poised to win 46 seats, while only 41 are needed to prove majority.

Hemant Soren meets father Shibu Soren after ECI trends predict win for JMM-plus

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s (JMM) Hemant Soren was seen at his father and former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren’s residence in Ranchi. JMM has established a lead in 29 seats, emerging as the single largest party, while the pre-poll alliance between JMM-Congress-RJD are expected to comfortably cross the halfway mark. 

#JharkhandAssemblyElections: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's (JMM) Hemant Soren at former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren's residence in Ranchi. pic.twitter.com/jABQz6DWvZ

— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2019

Ranchi Election Result 2019 latest Update

BJP loses lead in Ranchi urban seat

Mahua Majhi of JMM takes lead of 2,238 votes in Ranchi against BJP’s CP Singh, a five-time MLA and a minister in Raghubar Das government.

Trends indicate BJP no longer the single largest party, JMM overtakes with leads in 27 seats

JMM tweets on results, says state defeated fascist govt

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha took to twitter as the party appeared poised to win the elections with the help of its allies. The party thanked the people for defeating fascist powers and hoped that other states too will follow suit. 

सिद्धो-कानू, भगवान बिरसा, फूलो-झानो, नीलांबर-पीताम्बर, शेख़ भिखारी, चाँद-भैरव की पावन धरती ने आज देश के फ़ासिवादी ताक़त को अपने जन-मत से सटीक जवाब दिया है।

उम्मीद करते हैं की आगामी किसी भी सरकार को जन-आकांक्षाओं का अनादर करने से पहले झारखंडियों के आज का जवाब याद रहेगा।#Jharkhand

— Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (@JmmJharkhand) December 23, 2019

Congress open to support from like-minded parties, says RPN Singh

“We will wait for the Counting to end and then decide on the future course of action. Even if we get full majority, we will definitely take support of all like-minded parties,” RPN Singh told CNN-News18.

Dumka Election Result 2019 Latest Update

Lois Marandi regains lead in Demka

JMM’s Hemant Soren is trailing on Dumka seat by 461 votes, according to ANI. The official election commission website puts the number at 724.

Dhanwar Election Result 2019 latest Update

Babulal Marani leads from Dhanwar

Former CM and JVM(P) chief Babulal Marandi leading in Dhanwar seat by 18,645 votes. He was contesting against BJP’s Lakshman Prasad and JMM’s  Nizamuddin Ansari.

BJP leads in Daltonganj, Koderma seats

After seventh round of counting in Daltonganj and Koderma, BJP is leading in both seats. The BJP leads by 19, 105 votes in Daltonganj while its ahead by just 307 votes in Koderma.

Trends notwithhstanding, BJP says it is confident of forming govt

Chief Minister Raghubar Das has refused to concede defeat despite trends showing that the Opposition alliance is poised to touch the majority mark by itself. Das said, “When the complete result is out, you will see that the BJP will be able to form a governmnrt”

 Voters demolished ‘arrogance’ of PM Modi, Amit Shah: NCP-Shiv Sena

As trends for the Jharkhand Assembly elections showed the Congress-JMM alliance ahead of the ruling BJP, the NCP on Monday said people of Jharkhand have demolished the “arrogance” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the saffron party president Amit Shah. The Shiv Sena also hit out at the BJP, with which it recently severed ties at the Centre and in Maharashtra, saying the Jharkhand Assembly poll trends show people are not buying the Amit Shah-led party’s politics based on sentimental issues like the National Register of Citizens.

“The people of Jharkhand have demolished the arrogance of Modi ji, Amit Shah and BJP. Democracy has won,” NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik tweeted.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande said as the BJP looks set to lose Jharkhand after failing to retain power in Maharashtra, it raises question whether people are now trusting the Amit Shah-led party or not.

AJSU chief consolidates lead in SIlli seat

AJSU party chief Sudesh Mahto is now leading in Silli seat by 10,400 votes while JMM’s Seema Devi is trailing behind. Mahto was trailing after the initial few rounds but he soon consolidated his lead in the seat. 

The BJP did not field a candidate against him, even though it had a falling out with its ally just before polls, in order to keep the option of a post-poll alliance open.

Shivraj Chouhan refuses to say Jharkhand performance a reflection on CAA, NRC, says state poll was fought on local issues

Reacting to the impending BJP defeat in Jharkhand, former MP CM and BJP leader Shivraj Chouhan said that the CAA and NRC issue cannot be blamed for BJP’s performance in Jharkhand. 

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP in Jaipur on being asked if BJP trails in #JhakhandAssemblyPolls, will it be a litmus test for #CAA: No such question arises. State elections are fought on issues concerning the state. pic.twitter.com/7narC5Y8Jp

— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2019

Jameshedpur East Election Result 2019 Latest Update

Raghubar Das risks losing seat to Saryu Roy

CM Raghubar Das is now trailing by 771 votes in Jamshedpur East in a close contest against Independent candidate Saryu Roy, who is a BJP rebel.

Cong workers burst crackers, distribute sweets as Jharkhand trends come in

Christmas seemed to have come early at the Congress headquarters on Monday with party workers bursting crackers and distributing sweets as trends for the Jharkhand assembly elections showed the Congress-JMM alliance ahead of the ruling BJP. The Congress was ahead in 13 seats and the JMM in 23, according to the Election Commission. The BJP was trailing with leads in 27 seats, indicating that it may cede power to the Opposition.

BJP leading on 29 seats, Congress-JMM-RJD alliance on 42 seats

The Election Commission has updated trends for al 81 seats in the Jharkhand assembly polls and the trends suggest that the Congress-JMM-RJD alliance is leading on 41 seats, the BJP on 28 and the AJSU on five. 

Hemant Soren leads from Dumka, Barhait assembly seats

JMM candidate Hemant Soren has finally secured a lead from Dumka seat against BJP’s Lois Marandi. He has maintained his lead in Barhait seat.

Prestigious Dumka, Jamshedpur East seats among those with wafer-thin margins 

Land-grabs for power plant, dilution of Acquisition Act have turned Godda voters against Raghubar Das govt

Retired school teacher Ramjeevan Paswan’s family land can broadly be divided into two parts — acquired with consent and acquired without consent. While most of his extended family gave up their share of the property in Jharkhand’s tribal-dominated Godda district when the state government tried to acquire land for a power plant of the Adani Group last year, Paswan has refused to even acknowledge the compensation of Rs 50 lakh for his one acre.

However, he has lost access to his share because it got fenced in when his relatives gave up their portions of the five-odd acres. He is currently among 16 litigants against the government’s move to facilitate Adani’s 1,600-megawatt power plant, which will reportedly sell all the electricity generated to Bangladesh. 

Several Opposition parties, including the Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) and activists had in 2018 come together to object to the state government’s proposed amendments to the Act, dubbing the move a “death warrant”. Locals also appeared sceptical about the government’s assurance that they will also build public facilities like a school and hospital in the area, as is stipulated by law.

Neck and neck contest in five Jharkhand seats 

Five seats, including Silli, Mandar, Nirsa, Simaria, Littipara, Dhanwar and Bishnupar, are witnessing a tough battle among its candidates with a difference of 500-1000 votes.

Raghubar Das says incorrect to comment on trends now, will hold a press conference after final results

Jharkhand CM and BJP candidate from Jamshedpur East Raghubar Das said, “These trends are not the final word. There are more rounds of counting to be held. It will not be correct to comment on these trends. I will hold a press conference later in Ranchi.” He also expressed hope that the BJP will be able to form the government in the state.

Opposition alliance takes the lead in 40 seats

The Opposition alliance led in 40 seats, as per trends projected by News18, with Congress leading in 23 seats, JMM in 12 and RJD in five. BJP led in 30 seats, AJSU in four constituencies and JVM in three.

Jameshedpur East Election Result 2019 Latest Update

Saryu Roy puts up a tough fight for Raghubar Das

In the Jamshedpur East constituency, Chief Minister Raghubar Das was in the lead, with 8,212 votes. However, Independent candidate Saryu Roy put up a tough fight, trailing behind by a margin of just over 1,400 votes.

Barhait and Dumka Election Result 2019 Latest Update
 

Hemant Soren leads in Barhait, but trails in Dumka

Former chief minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren took the lead in the Barhait seat with 14,444 votes. He raced ahead of BJP’s Simon Malto, having garnered 9,125 votes.

In Dumka, however, he trailed by over 5,000 votes behind BJP’s Lois Marandi, who got 19,600 votes.

At 11.30 am, ECI trends show lead for Opposition alliance in 41 seats

The Election Commission has updated trends for al 81 seats in the Jharkhand assembly polls and the trends suggest that the Congress-JMM-RJD alliance is leading on 41 seats, the BJP on 28 and the AJSU on five.

Silli Election Result 2019 Latest Update

Breaking: Sudesh Mahto trailing in Silli seat by 284 votes

JMM’s Seema Devi leading from Silli seat by 284 votes. She contested against AJSU’s Sudesh Mahto.

At 11 am, ECI trends indicate Opposition alliance may cross halfway mark on its own

The Election Commission has updated trends for al 81 seats in the Jharkhand assembly polls and the trends suggest that the Congress-JMM-RJD alliance is leading on 42 seats, the BJP on 28 and the AJSU on three. 

RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, Congress RPN Singh back Hemant Soren as CM

Speaking to CNN-News18, Congress leader RPN Singh said that his party will back JMM working president Hemant Soren as the alliance’s chief ministerial candidate. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, reiterated these sentiments while speaking to ANI

Tejashwi Yadav, RJD: There is going to be a clean sweep for Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in this election. We have fought elections under leadership of Hemant Soren. He is going to be the Chief Minister. #JharkhandAssemblyPolls pic.twitter.com/EyjkwkTJ8n

— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2019

20 swing seats hold key to power in Jharkhand

According to CNN-News 18, at the end of two rounds of counting, the leads assailed by the parties remain fragile as there are as many as 20 seats (enough to turn the tables) where the margis is less than a thousand votes. Fifteen among these, in fact, have a margin of under 500.

Dhanwar and Dumka Election Result 2019 latest Update

Breaking: Babulal Marandi is leading from Dhanwar seat by 2841 votes

Babulal Marandi is leading from Dhanwar seat by 2841 votes. He was contesting against BJP’s Lakshman Prasad and JMM’s  Nizamuddin Ansari.

Bokaro, Seraikela Kharsawan swing seats to watch out for

The BJP is leading in the Seraikela Kharsawan seat by a waferthin margin of 145 votes in the first round. In Bokaro, the Congress is leading by a mere 857 votes after the second round of counting. It will be interesting to keep a track of these two constituencies where trends can reverse at any point.

The Big Picture: Latest trends say, JMM alliance crosses majority; BJP ahead on 29 

The JMM-Congress-RJD alliance is ahead on 41 seats, the required figure to form the government in Jharkhand. The BJP on the other hand is ahead on 29 seats. AJSU is ahead on five while JVM is leading on four seats.

At 10 am, ECI trends forecast a BJP lead at 22 seats out of 62 for which trends are declared 

The Election Commission has updated trends for 62 seats in the Jharkhand assembly polls and the trends suggest that the Congress-JMM-RJD alliance is leading on 33 seats, the BJP on 22 and the AJSU on two. 

Exit polls predicted hung house, massive losses for BJP

Early trends suggest that the incumbent BJP, which predicted a tally of 65 for itself in the 81-member house, is unlikely to cross the magic number alone, while JMM-RJD-Congress alliance is emerging at the top. This is in line with the exit poll results. 

Barhait and Dumka Election Result 2019 latest Update:

Opposition CM face Hemant Soren trails in both Dumka and Barhait 

Opposition chief ministerial candidate and JMM leader Hemant Soren just now lost both his leads in the constituencies of Dumka and Barhait. Both reserved seats are considered JMM strongholds. Soren had lost out on Dumka in 2014, while he is the sitting MLA from Barhait.

Mahagathbandhan solidifes lead in 37 seats, BJP ahead in 30, say reports

Trends, as reported by News18 throw up a worrying picture for the incumbent BJP, which had proclaimed it will bag more than 65 seats in the 81 member Assembly. The party is ahead in 31 seats while Opposition alliance, led by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is leading at 37 seats. Erstwhile BJP allies AJSU and JVM are ahead in three and four seats respectively. 

Hemant Soren loses lead in current seat Barhait, but maintains grip in Dumka 

Opposition chief ministerial candidate Hemant Soren from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is leading from Dumka, while he trails from Barhet. Both reserved seats are considered JMM strongholds. Soren had lost out on Dumka in 2014, while he is the sitting MLA from Barhait.

Jamshedpur East Election Result 2019 latest Update:

Jamshedpur East trend reverses, CM Raghubar Das regains slim lead of 377 votes

Jamshedpur East seat is throwing up a nail biting contest. Chief Minister Raghubar Das was trailing from the seat he has won five times in the past as BJP rebel Saryu Roy took lead on his expense. However, Das gained back the lead within minutes and currently maintains a slim lead against Roy.

90 minutes into counting, here is what official ECI trends suggest

The Election Commission has updated trends for 15 seats in the Jharkhand assembly polls and the trends suggest that the Congress-JMM-RJD alliance is leading on 9 seats, the BJP on 4 and the AJSU on one. 

Jamshedpur East Election Result 2019 latest Update:

Chief Minister Raghubar Das trails from Jamshedpur East

Incumbent Chief Minister Raghubar Das is trailing in Jamshedpur East seat, according to early trends. 

Das is facing a tough challenge from none other than his party’s rebel Saryu Roy, who revolted against the BJP leadership after being denied a party ticket, in this constituency.  Das is seeking sixth consecutive term from this seat. Roy was elected to the state assembly from the neighbouring seat- Jamshedpur West- in 2014. Interestingly, Roy was a minister in Raghubar Das government in the state. 

Known as Jharkhand’s “cosmopolitan constituency”, Jamshedpur East seat is considered to be BJP’s stronghold. Roy was upset on being denied a ticket from his traditional Jharkhand West seat and decided to contest against the chief minister.

Counting for postal ballots end

The counting of postal ballots in the Jharkhand assembly elections concludes and the EVMs have been brought in for tally. The next set of trends will take into account the EVM vote count for political parties across Jharkhand.

Barhait Election Result 2019 latest Update:

JMM’s Hemant Soren leading in the Barhait Assembly Constituency

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s working president and former chief minister Hemant Soren is maintaining the lead in both the constituencies he is contesting on. Soren established an early lead in Dumka while he recently raced ahead in Barhait. Both reserved seats are considered JMM strongholds. Soren had lost out on Dumka in 2014, while he is the sitting MLA from Barhait.

9 am leads show BJP ahead in 22 seats; JMM-plus leads on in 18 seats 

9 am trends show a neck-and-neck contest between Opposition and the incumbent. The BJP, who is sailing alone, is ahead in 22 seats while the JMM and its allieas are leading in 18 seats. Here is the detailed tally. 

Dumka Election Result 2019 latest Update:

JMM’s Hemant Soren leading in the Dumka Assembly Constituency

As the counting of votes begins, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and the Chief Ministerial candidate of the opposition coalition Hemant Soren is leading in Dumka.  Soren is contesting againt outgoing social welfare minister Lois Marandi of the BJP are in the fray for this bell-weather seat. 

In 2014, two-time MLA Soren had lost the contest in Dumka to BJP’s Lois, who reportedly won with 69,760 votes. Dumka is an important seat in the Santhal Pargana region of the state and is also considered the JMM’s stronghold.

Lohardaga Election Result 2019 latest Update:

First leads from Lohardaga: Congress state chief Rameshwar Oraon in lead

Congress state unit chief Rameshwar Oraon is in lead from Oraon reserved seat that went to polls in the first phase. He is contesting against BJP’s Sukhdev Bhagat, who was a former state Congress chief  who was the sitting Congress MLA since 2014 but crossed over to the BJP just before polls. After a split from the BJP, the All Jharkhand Students’ Union’s Neeru Shanti Bhagat has filed her nomination. She is the wife of former Lohardaga MLA Kamal Kishore Bhagat.

Eponymous to the district name of Lohardaga, the Lohardaga Assembly constituency covers the areas falling under Lohardaga, Kuru and Kisko police station in Lohardaga sub-division. Falling under the South Chotanagpur Division of Jharkhand, Lohardaga(ST) Assembly constituency is also part of the Lohardaga Lok Sabha constituency. Lohardaga is also part of the dreaded Red Corridor and is one of the 18 districts with a Maoist presence in Jharkhand.

Jharkhand saw slight drop in voter turnout 

The overall voter turnout in the Jharkhand assembly polls was estimated at 65.23 percent compared to 66.53 percent to 2014. The counting of votes today will decide who would emerge victorious among the 1216 candidates, including 127 women for the 81-member Assembly.

Posters predicting JMM’s win propped up in Ranchi as counting begins

Jharkhand: Poster with 'Jharkhand ki pukar hai gathbandhan ki sarkar hai. Hemant ab ki baar hai' seen in Ranchi. Counting of votes for #JharkhandAssemblyPolls begins at 8 am today. pic.twitter.com/903QC3Q9iC

— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2019

Counting on postal ballots begins; reports say BJP ahead in 7 seats; Opposition alliance leads in 13 

The counting for postal ballots have begun. Postal voting is a type of voting in elections whereby Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot Papers (ETPB) are distributed to electors and returned by post, in contrast to electors voting in person at a polling station via an electronic voting system aided by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). While India has a system in place for postal ballots, it is restricted to certain categories of people.

Meanwhile, news channels have started declaring the initial trends. News18 Bihar Jharkhand reported the following trends fifteen minutes into counting. 

Breaking: Counting for Jharkhand Assembly Election Begins

Key contest, Phase 5: Fate of two incumbent ministers, JMM chief’s son sealed on 20 Dec polling 

In the final round of elections, voters sealed the fate of two Jharkhand ministers and former chief minister Hemant Soren. Watch out for the following key contests. 

BJP candidate and Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Randhir Singh is seeking re-election from Sarath. State Women and Child Development Minister Louis Marandi is contesting against JMM’s working president and former chief minister Hemant Soren from Dumka. Louis had defeated Soren in the 2014 assembly elections.  

Like the previous assembly polls when he contested from two seats, Soren is in the fray from Barhait as well.  ​Soren’s sister-in-law Sita Soren is seeking re-election from Jama.  

The BJP, which is contesting on all 16 seats in this final phase, has fielded sitting MLAs Ashok Kumar Bhagat, Anant Ojha and Amit Mandal from Mahagama, Rajmahal and Godda assembly constituencies, respectively.  Former deputy chief minister and sitting JMM MLA Stephen Marandi is seeking re-election from Maheshpur.  

The state president of the Janata Dal (United) and former MP, Salkhan Murmu, is contesting from Sikaripara.  

Jharkhand Assembly Election Results Primer: BJP faces uphill task as exit polls favour JMM-led alliance

The counting of votes for 81 Jharkhand Assembly seats, which went to polls in five phases from 30 November  to 20 December, will take place on Monday.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party will face a tough challenge as exit polls and surveys suggest that the Opposition, an alliance between Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is likely to beat the incumbent.  The ruling BJP, meanwhile, is virtually going it alone with longstanding alliance partners Jarkhand Vikas Morcha and All Jharkhand Students Union being unsatisfied with the seat distribution. Both JVM and AJSU have fielded candidates against BJP in several seats, but the erstwhile allies have stayed clear of acrimonious contests where key candidates from either side are fielded. 

In the subsequent posts, we will set out the key contests to watch out for, from each phase. Stay tuned for live results, political equations, news and analysis.

In bid to lure voters, Modi, Shah held nine rallies each, Rahul, Priyanka addressed five public meets

Both the BJP and the Congress alliance made their best efforts to lure the voters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief and Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed nine rallies each. While former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi addressed five rallies and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addressed one rally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Tribal Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, BJP’s working president J P Nadda and Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das were among the BJP leaders who campaigned in the state. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, her brother Rahul, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Shatrughan Sinha were among the party leaders who appealed to the people to vote for the opposition alliance of Congress, JMM and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)

Counting for five-phased election to start at 8 am today

The counting of votes for 81 Jharkhand Assembly seats, which went to polls in five phases from 30 November to 20 December, will begin at 8 am on Monday. The counting of votes will take place in all the 24 district headquarters. The maximum rounds of counting will take place at Chatra with 28 rounds and lowest round at two seats — Chandankyari and Torpa.