Jamshedpur: The election fever refuses to die down in East Singhbhum, as excitement and speculation continue to grip party workers even days after polling for the Ghatsila Assembly by-election. The area surrounding the strong room at Jamshedpur Co-operative College (JCC), where the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are securely stored, has turned into a nerve centre of political activity, with supporters of rival parties keeping a close watch on every development.
With the battle for the Ghatsila seat now appearing to be a direct contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), party camps are abuzz with discussions about possible outcomes, booth-wise voting trends, and electoral calculations. Party workers, eager and restless, are seen gathering near the strong room, exchanging theories and gauging the mood ahead of the much-anticipated counting day on November 14.
District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi has put in place tight security and detailed arrangements to ensure that the counting process is conducted smoothly and transparently. “All measures have been taken to ensure the safety of EVMs and the fairness of the counting process,” he said, adding that only authorised personnel will be allowed inside the counting premises.
Meanwhile, political parties are gearing up for what many describe as a “grand show of strength” outside the counting centre on Friday. Leaders and supporters from both the BJP and JMM are expected to assemble in large numbers to demonstrate confidence and solidarity as results begin to unfold.
Security forces have been deployed around the JCC campus to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order. The administration has issued strict instructions prohibiting unauthorised gatherings near the strong room area, while multiple security cordons have been established to regulate the movement of party representatives and media personnel.
Polling for the Ghatsila (ST) seat, which took place on November 11, saw a voter turnout of over 74 percent, reflecting strong public interest and participation. With counting scheduled to begin at 8 am on November 14 across 15 tables in 20 rounds, anticipation is running high among political observers and local residents alike.
As the countdown begins, the atmosphere around the Co-operative College remains charged — filled with speculation, confidence, and quiet anxiety — as both major contenders brace for what promises to be a decisive day in the Ghatshila political arena.
