The first phase of voting in the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections saw a voter turnout of 66.48%, surpassing the 63.9% turnout recorded in the 2019 elections for the same 43 seats. Polling took place in 15 districts across the state on November 13, with voting hours from 7 am to 5 pm. The Election Commission of India confirmed that voting was peaceful, with no major incidents of violence reported. As of 11:30 pm, the voter turnout was recorded at 66.48%, with the final figures expected to be updated once polling concludes in areas with long queues.

This marks a slight improvement in voter participation compared to the previous election cycle, signaling a potentially more engaged electorate. The results of the first phase will set the tone for the remaining elections, with the second phase for 38 additional seats scheduled for November 20, and the results to be declared on November 23.

The political contest in Jharkhand remains intense between the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA alliance and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The JMM, led by Hemant Soren, is aiming to retain power, having formed a coalition government in the 2019 elections with the Congress and RJD. For the upcoming election, JMM is contesting 43 seats, while Congress has fielded candidates in 30 seats, and RJD in six seats.

On the other side, the BJP-led NDA is also vying for control, with the BJP contesting 68 seats and its ally, All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), fighting for 10 seats. The Janata Dal (United) and the Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) are contesting from two and one seat(s), respectively.

The 2019 Assembly elections saw the JMM emerge as the largest party with 30 seats, while the BJP won 25 seats. However, the JMM formed a coalition government, which has been stable with support from its alliance partners. This election will determine whether the JMM can maintain its hold on the state or if the BJP-led NDA can wrest control.

The political landscape of Jharkhand is closely tied to regional issues, including tribal rights, economic development, and resource management. The contest between the two alliances will likely focus on these issues, as both sides aim to win the hearts and minds of the electorate.

In addition to the Assembly elections, bypolls were held in 31 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across 10 states, as well as in the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. In Wayanad, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made her electoral debut for Congress, contesting after her brother Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat to focus on his other constituency, Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh.

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