Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], November 13 : On the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections polling, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Manoj Pandey said that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s desperation and fear showed that they had lost in the elections.
Speaking to ANI, Pandey said "BJP's desperation and fear show that they have lost. The people of Jharkhand have decided that have to go with development, with Hemant Soren and not with those who spread hatred. People have started voting today in large numbers. I am sure the supports of INDI alliance and JMM will vote in large numbers, women are voting in large numbers and I am sure we will once again form the government."
The BJP-led NDA is aiming to unseat the JMM-led coalition, with key candidates such as former Chief Minister Champai Soren and Congress leader Ajoy Kumar in the fray.
Earlier today, JMM candidate from Ranchi, Mahua Maji appealed to the people to vote for her.
Highlighting her experience of working in a range of areas, Maji said that she intends to transform the capital of Jharkhand state.
Mahua Maji said, " I want there should be development. Ranchi does not look like a capital and I want to transform it into one...I have an experience in different sectors. I have experience of working in women's commission. I have travelled to various places in the world and learnt a lot from it."
She further said that with a big vision, she wants to contribute towards the development of the state and the city.
"Even in day-to-day activities people should be able to live in clean environment with proper drainage system. Incumbent CM Hemant Soren has a vision to built dozen of flyovers to reduce traffic congestion. An attractive transport Nager was built recently. We want to develop Medical colleges, engineering colleges, MBA college, universities, Sahitya academy, Lalit Kala Academy, Sangeet Natya Academy, Film city so that people get all kind of facilities. I also wish to bring IT sector to Ranchi," she added.
Mahua Maji is contesting from Ranchi seat against BJP's CP Singh, who is the incumbent MLA.
Voting for the first phase of the Jharkhand assembly elections began on Wednesday morning, with voting taking place in 43 out of the state's 81 seats.
The polling for Jharkhand's first phase began at around 7:00 am, with voters across 43 constituencies in 15 districts casting their ballots. The results will determine the fate of 683 candidates, including 73 women.
Ahead of the polling, mock voting was conducted at various polling stations in Jharkhand. Visuals showed long queues of voters, including women, waiting to cast their votes.