EC refutes claims of shortened voting hours in rural Jharkhand

Ranchi, October 21: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jharkhand K Ravikumar on Monday dismissed the allegations from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) regarding the reduction in voting hours in rural areas as baseless.

The CEO, in a statement made on his social media handle and during a press conference, clarified that the Election Commission (EC) has ensured that all voters in the state, including those in rural areas, have adequate time to cast their ballots.

According to Ravikumar, out of the total 29,562 polling stations across Jharkhand, 24,520 are located in rural areas, with the remaining 5,042 in urban areas.

He added that the voting hours for 23,539 rural and urban polling stations will be from 7 am to 5 pm, providing ample time for voters to exercise their franchise. The only exceptions are 981 polling stations in Naxal-affected regions, where voting will take place from 7 am to 4 pm for security reasons.

Ravikumar also highlighted the significant extension of voting hours compared to previous elections. In both the 2014 and 2019 assembly elections, the voting time at the majority of polling stations — 89% in 2014 and 63% in 2019—was from 7 am to 3 pm. This year, only 3% of the polling stations will close by 4 pm, a significant improvement due to the EC’s efforts to provide more time for voters.

The CEO further assured the public that adequate publicity regarding voting hours will be made and reiterated that all voters who are in line when the polls close will still be allowed to vote.