Jharkhand Election: JMM dominates Kolhan, NDA leads in three

Ranchi: As counting progresses in Jharkhand’s Kolhan division, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) so far has established a strong lead, with candidates securing commanding positions in several constituencies. However, fierce contests in key seats like Seraikela, Potka, and Ghatsila are drawing attention.

In Seraikela, the former chief minister Champai Soren, who had joined BJP a few weeks before the announcement of election, is on the course for a decisive victory, leading with a margin of 35,493 votes. His nearest rival, Ganesh Mahali of the JMM, is trailing with 53,117 votes. The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) candidate Prem Mardi is a distant third, emphasizing the bipolar nature of this race.

Meanwhile, in Potka, a nail-biting contest is unfolding between the JMM’s Sanjib Sardar and the BJP’s Meera Munda. Sardar currently leads by a razor-thin margin of 1,149 votes, keeping the race too close to call. This high-stakes battle underscores the BJP’s attempt to reclaim its foothold in the tribal-dominated constituency, where JMM has held a strong presence.

In Ghatsila, the JMM’s Ram Das Soren has taken a comfortable lead of 13,575 votes against Chapai Soren’s son Babulal Soren. This race highlights JMM’s resilience in the region, further cementing its dominance in the tribal belt.

Across Kolhan’s 14 seats, the JMM is ahead in several constituencies, including Majgaon, where Niral Purty has amassed an impressive margin of 59,190 votes, and Chaibasa, where Deepak Birua leads with 55,288 votes. BJP candidates are trailing in most constituencies, reflecting a broader trend of JMM’s consolidation in the region.

The outcomes in Seraikela, Potka, and Ghatsila are likely to set the tone for the final tally, with Kolhan playing a crucial role in shaping Jharkhand’s political landscape. As counting continues, the JMM’s dominance and the BJP’s performance in these critical constituencies remain under close scrutiny.