Jharkhand Assembly Election 2024: NDA Predicted to Return to Power as Exit Polls Indicate a Tight Contest
Exit polls suggest BJP-led NDA may secure a majority with 40-53 seats, while INDIA alliance struggles to keep its hold with 25-40 seats.
Jharkhand: The battle for power in the 81-seat Jharkhand Assembly is heating up as exit polls for the 2024 election suggest a possible victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). With the magic figure set at 42, the competition between the NDA and the INDIA alliance is intense. Currently, the INDIA bloc, comprising the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and smaller regional parties, holds power in the state.
The NDA, featuring the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), Janata Dal United (JDU), and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), has mounted an aggressive campaign focusing on issues like corruption, illegal immigration from Bangladesh, and promoting Hindutva.
Exit Poll Predictions Highlight NDA’s Edge
Various agencies have projected a lead for the NDA, with most exit polls indicating that it will comfortably surpass the halfway mark.
Times Now-JVPC Exit Poll:
- NDA: 40-44 seats
- INDIA Alliance: 30-40 seats
- Others: 1-1 seat
People’s Pulse Exit Poll:
- NDA: 44-53 seats
- INDIA Alliance: 25-37 seats
- Others: 5-9 seats
ABP-Matrize Exit Poll:
- NDA: 47 seats
- INDIA Alliance: 30 seats
- Others: 4 seats
Key Highlights of the Contest
- Focus on Welfare vs. Hindutva:
The INDIA alliance, led by JMM’s Hemant Soren, has emphasized welfare schemes and social justice in its bid for re-election. If successful, Soren will create history as a consecutive-term Chief Minister. However, if defeated, the 24-year tradition of alternating governments will continue. - NDA’s Campaign Strategy:
The BJP-led NDA has targeted the current government over allegations of corruption and mishandling of resources. Immigration from Bangladesh has been a prominent issue raised by the NDA during its campaigns, resonating with sections of the electorate. - Voting Trends:
The high voter turnout and enthusiastic campaigning indicate a deeply contested election, with both alliances mobilizing their voter bases effectively.
Final Thoughts
The exit polls project a strong likelihood of the NDA reclaiming power in Jharkhand. While the final results are awaited, the numbers indicate that the INDIA bloc may face significant challenges in maintaining its stronghold in the state.