PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Nov 12: The stage is set in the Ghatshila Assembly constituency (East Singhbhum district) as the by-election enters its final phase.
Following the polls, the counting of votes is scheduled for November 14 (Friday) while the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units are securely locked away in a sealed strong-room at the Jamshedpur Co‑operative College (Jamshedpur) in preparation for tallying.
Election Background
The by-poll was necessitated by the untimely death of sitting MLA and minister Ramdas Soren (of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha).
The polling was held across 300 booths within the constituency.
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Polling Day Highlights
Voting commenced at 7 a.m. and proceeded without major disruption. By 1 p.m., turnout had crossed 54 %, and by 3 p.m. it reached about 69.07 %.
By 5 p.m., the voter turnout stood at an impressive 74.63 %.
Special segments of the electorate recorded very high activity:
Voters aged 85 years and above: 90.62 % turnout.
Differently-abled (divyang) voters: 93.60 % turnout.
31 voters opted for home-voting.
A few technical issues were handled: one ballot unit and control unit, plus five VVPAT machines, were replaced during polling.
Importantly, officials report the polling was free and fair across all booths with no major law and order violations.
Two FIRs were registered: one for posting unconstitutional/illegal material on social media, and another for violation of the Model Code of conduct (MCC).
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Strong-room, Result Preparations
At the Jamshedpur Co-operative College, authorities have established the designated receiving and strong-room centre for the EVMs and VVPAT units.
The strong-room has been sealed according to mandatory guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India to safeguard the machines until counting.
What’s at stake and political undercurrents
The by-poll is seen as a test of strength for the ruling coalition in Jharkhand, especially in its tribal-dominated constituencies.
According to the JMM candidate’s camp, the high turnout is being portrayed as a stamp of approval for the government’s popular schemes.
Meanwhile, the opposition sees turnout as an indication of growing disenchantment with the state government’s performance on tribal welfare and development.
In all, 13 candidates—including one woman— are in the fray.
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Counting of Votes
The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14.
The sealed strong-room at Jamshedpur Co-operative College will serve as the nerve centre for the result process.
Once counting begins, the winner will serve for the remainder of the term of the 6th Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, adding to the working strength and possibly affecting the balance of power, especially in tribal seats.
