THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ghatshila (East Singhbhum), November 11: The Ghatshila by-election 2025 recorded an impressive 73.88% voter turnout till 5 PM, according to Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar.
The final figure is likely to touch the 76.48% turnout recorded during the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly Election, which marks a strong civic response reflecting heightened political engagement in the constituency.
Voting took place across 319 polling stations, with long queues of voters visible since early morning. From young first-time voters to elderly and differently-abled citizens, people turned up in large numbers to cast their ballots, demonstrating strong faith in the democratic process.
ALSO READ: Bihar Assembly polls: 67.14% voter turnout till 5 pm in second phase
Key Candidates in the Fray
The Ghatshila seat, reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST), has turned into a prestige battle between major political forces.
JMM’s Somesh Soren, son of late MLA Ramdas Soren, is contesting to retain the seat for the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
BJP’s Babulal Soren, son of former Chief Minister Champai Soren, is the BJP’s candidate aiming to wrest the seat from the JMM.
The Congress has extended support to the JMM, while smaller regional outfits and independents are also in the fray, adding a local dynamic to the contest.
Political observers believe that the result will indicate which way the tribal belt’s sentiment is shifting.
Voters Defy Weather, Queue Up Since Early Morning
Polling booths such as Dayaram School (Panchpandav) and Barajuri Upgraded High School witnessed a festive and disciplined atmosphere.
Despite mild humidity and occasional drizzle, voters showed unwavering enthusiasm. Volunteers assisted senior citizens and differently-abled voters, ensuring accessibility and comfort at all polling stations.
East Singhbhum District Board member Lakhi Mardi and JMM District Chief Baghrai Mardi were among those who voted early, accompanied by their families — a sign of community-wide participation.
CM Hemant Soren Calls Voting a ‘Festival of Democracy’
Chief Minister Hemant Soren took to X (formerly Twitter), calling the bypoll a “festival of democracy.”
“I appeal to all voters to participate wholeheartedly in this historic festival of democracy and contribute to Jharkhand’s progress,” he wrote, lauding the enthusiasm shown by Ghatshila’s voters.
Political Charges and Counter-Charges: BJP vs JMM
While the voting remained peaceful, both major parties traded serious allegations.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that the JMM misused the police administration to influence the poll. Acting BJP State President Aditya Sahu accused the ruling party of bogus voting at certain booths and demanded immediate intervention from the Election Commission.
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Champai Soren claimed that JMM workers distributed money in several villages to sway voters, terming it a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. He urged authorities to ensure free and fair elections across all polling booths.
Steady Rise in Turnout Throughout the Day
| Time | Voter Turnout |
| 9:00 AM | 17.33% |
| 11:00 AM | 34.32% |
| 1:00 PM | 54.08% |
| 3:00 PM | 69.07% |
| 5:00 PM | 73.88% |
The steady increase in voter turnout throughout the day underscores the renewed public engagement. The final turnout may cross 75 per cent once the Election Commission releases updated figures.
Peaceful Polling Amid Tight Security
According to Jharkhand CEO K. Ravi Kumar, polling across all booths in Ghatshila was peaceful and well-managed. Adequate security forces were deployed to prevent disturbances and maintain order.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) also established a dedicated control room to address complaints and monitor real-time polling data. No major incidents were reported until polling concluded at 5 PM.
Results and Trends: Counting on November 14
The counting of votes for the Ghatshila by-election 2025 will take place on November 14. The constituency, a JMM stronghold, is being viewed as a crucial indicator of the ruling coalition’s popularity and the BJP’s comeback strategy in Jharkhand’s tribal heartland.
