PM Modi urged Jharkhand voters to participate enthusiastically in the assembly elections today. Voting for 43 seats began at 7 am, with 683 candidates, including former leaders. The second phase will occur on November 20,

As far as key seats are concerned- former CM Champai Soren, contesting on the BJP ticket in Seraikela, faces a challenge from JMM’s Ganesh Mahli. BJP’s Geeta Koda, wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda locked horns with Congress’ Sona Ram Sinku in Jagannathpur.

Voting for 43 assembly seats in Jharkhand began this morning with a total of 683 candidates trying their luck, including former chief minister Champai Soren and ex-MP Geeta Kora.

A voter turnout of 64.86 per cent was recorded in the 43 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where polling was held in the first phase on Wednesday, officials said. Lohardaga district topped the list with 73.21 per cent polling while Hazaribag district recorded the lowest at 59.13, officials said and added that polling continued till 5 pm.