Jharkhand Assembly polls: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh casts vote in Ranchi

Ranchi: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh cast his vote on Wednesday in the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections.
Harivansh showed his inked finger after coming out of a polling station in Ranchi.
Speaking to ANI, the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman said, "Voting is the strength of a democracy. Through elections, we choose our representatives who later work for the welfare of society and the country. This is the biggest weapon for every person who wants our system in democracy should be better as per our own wishes."
He also asserted that they are away from achieving the dream for which Jharkhand was formed.
"We should work to achieve the dreams for which Jharkhand was formed. We are far away from achieving that dream," Harivansh said.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all voters in Jharkhand to take part with full enthusiasm in the polling sessions that commenced in the state today.
Polling in Jharkhand which started at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, is taking place with voters spread across 43 constituencies in 15 districts casting their ballots. The results will determine the fate of 683 candidates, including 73 women.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made for polling, which will continue until 5.00 pm. It will end at 4.00 pm at 950 sensitive booths spread across 31 constituencies.
Over 200 companies of security forces have been deployed at strategic locations to maintain order and safeguard the electoral process.
The BJP-led NDA is aiming to unseat the JMM-led coalition, with key candidates such as former Chief Minister Champai Soren and Congress leader Ajoy Kumar in the fray.
Key candidates in the first phase of Jharkhand's assembly elections include former Chief Minister Champai Soren (BJP) in Seraikela, and Ajoy Kumar (Congress) in Jamshedpur East, where he is facing Purnima Das Sahu, daughter-in-law of former Chief Minister Raghubar Das.
In Jaganathpur, BJP's Geeta Koda, wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, is contesting against Congress leader Sona Ram Sinku. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has nominated sitting Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji from Ranchi.
Polling in the remaining 38 constituencies of Jharkhand will be held on November 20, and votes will be counted on November 23. In the previous assembly elections, JMM won 30 seats, the BJP won 25, and Congress secured 16 seats.