Ranchi, July 17: As Jharkhand gears up for the 2024 Assembly elections, political anticipation mounts over the future leadership and governance of the state. The electoral landscape in Jharkhand has witnessed significant shifts since the last assembly polls held in 2019, where the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance emerged victorious under the leadership of Hemant Soren. However, recent political developments have added intrigue and urgency to the upcoming electoral cycle, setting the stage for a closely watched contest.

In January 2024, Hemant Soren's resignation and subsequent legal developments set the stage for a new chapter in Jharkhand's political narrative. With Hemant Soren reinstated as Chief Minister in July 2024, the focus now shifts to preparations for the upcoming elections, including the expected polling dates and the strategies of various political parties vying for power in the state. As the state braces for the upcoming elections, attention now turns to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the announcement of polling dates and the subsequent electoral process. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren Meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi (See Pics).

Key Dates and Developments in Jharkhand Politics

The last Jharkhand Assembly elections were held in five phases between November 30 and December 20, 2019. The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the polling schedule on November 1, 2019, and counting took place on December 23, 2019. After the counting of votes, the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance emerged victorious, winning a majority of seats in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly. Hemant Soren of the JMM was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the second time, leading a coalition government. The election results marked a significant political shift in the state, with the incumbent BJP government being voted out after completing its term. Jharkhand Cabinet Expansion: Ex CM Champai Soren, 10 Others Take Oath As Ministers in Hemant Soren Government.

However, the political scenario took a dramatic turn on January 31, 2024, when Hemant Soren resigned from the Chief Minister's post just before his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a land scam case. This led to Champai Soren's brief tenure as Chief Minister until Hemant Soren's release on bail on June 28, 2024. Following Champai Soren's resignation on July 2, Hemant Soren was sworn in again on July 4, 2024, resuming leadership amid significant political upheaval.

Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024 Dates

The current Jharkhand Legislative Assembly's tenure is set to end in December 2024. The next assembly elections in Jharkhand are expected to be held towards the end of 2024, typically around November or December, as per the state's usual electoral cycle. The ECI will announce the specific dates for polling, which typically follows a phased approach across various constituencies in Jharkhand.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2024 08:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).