Ranchi, December 23: Hemant Soren, who is expected to be the next Chief Minister of Jharkhand, thanked electorates after results pointed towards a victory for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and its allies including the Congress in assembly elections. Addressing media persons at his residence, Hemant Soren vowed to fulfil promises made in the alliance's election manifesto. "I am thankful to the people of Jharkhand for the mandate," the JMM chief said. Hemant Soren to be Jharkhand Chief Minister? Know All About JMM Chief.

Hemant Soren also expressed his gratitude for the Congress and the RJD leadership. "I want to thank Lalu Ji, Sonia Gandhi Ji, Rahul Ji and Priyanka Ji and all Congress leaders for all the support and for believing in me," he told the press conference. Asked about swearing-in ceremony and induction of Saryu Rai in the next government, Hemant Soren said: "We will sit with our alliances and discuss the further course of action. Things will be clear by tomorrow." Raghubar Das Concedes Defeat in Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2019.

"Today a new chapter will begin for this state. I want to assure everyone that their hopes will not be broken irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and profession," the chief ministerial face of the JMM-Congress-RJD combine assured. As per the Election Commission, the BJP was leading on 29 seats while the Grand Alliance comprising the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) was leading on 42 out of 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand.

The BJP's former ally All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) was leading on three and the Babulal Marandi-led Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) was ahead on three seats. Jharkhand voted in five phases beginning November 30 to December 20.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2019 05:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).