Ranchi: The Jharkhand assembly election 2024 was conducted successfully and without any major untoward incidents across the state despite the left-wing extremism (LWE) influence and the history of political antagonism in several parts of the state.
According to the commission, there was no need for repolls even as the voting was carried out in 29,563 booths. Polling was violence-free in LWE-sensitive areas, including Burha Pahar and the Saranda areas, in which a number of booths witnessed high voter turnout.
The poll panel informed that elaborate security measures were made at polling booths and 600 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), 60 companies of the Jharkhand Armed Police, over 15,000 district police and 14,000 home guards were deployed in the first phase and 685 companies of CAPF, 60 companies of the state armed police besides home guards and the state police numbering 26,000 were deployed in the second.
A coordinated effort was also made by the Indian Air Force, Border Security Force and the Airport Authority of India to ensure that transporting and bringing back polling personnel and security forces were done smoothly without any hindrances.
While the commission registered over 100 cases of MCC violations, it also faced criticism from the ruling JMM for its action in connection with Mandal Murmu, the descendant of tribal freedom leaders Sido and Kanhu. The party had protested the police action to detain Murmu.