Ranchi: Defying threats and boycott calls from Maoist factions, voters in Jharkhand's Left Wing Extremism-affected areas turned out in remarkable numbers on Wednesday, showcasing a commitment to democracy despite the region’s volatility.

A voter turnout of 64.86 per cent was recorded in the 43 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where polling was held in the first phase on Wednesday. Lohardaga district topped the list with 73.21 per cent polling while Hazaribag district recorded the lowest at 59.

Voting for the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections starts today at 7 A.M. across 43 constituencies. Polling continues till 5 P.M. in key areas like Koderma and Ranchi.

PM Modi urged Jharkhand voters to participate enthusiastically in the assembly elections today. Voting for 43 seats began at 7 am, with 683 candidates, including former leaders. The second phase will occur on November 20,

The Jharkhand Assembly elections, taking place in two phases, have drawn significant attention due to the stark financial disparities among candidates.

The outcome will decide the fate of 683 candidates vying for legislative seats, including 17 general seats, 20 reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and six for Scheduled Castes.

A total 127 of the 522 candidates contesting the Phase 2 of Jharkhand Assembly elections are crorepatis, with the richest among them being SP's Aquil Akhtar.

Jharkhand witnessed a 64.8% voter turnout in the first phase of assembly elections, exceeding the 2019 figure. Tribal areas showed strong support for the ruling JMM, while urban centers like Ranchi and Jamshedpur saw lower participation.