Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], November 17 : Jharkhand Congress in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir expressed confidence in the victory of the ruling JMM-Congress coalition following the first phase of voting in the state and emphasized that the voter turnout reflects the positive impact of the coalition's women-centric programs.
Mir asserted that the coalition's performance would surpass the previous election, with plans to form a strong, stable government focused on delivering for the people over the next five years.
Speaking to ANI over the polls, Ghulam Ahmed Mir said, "No matter what anyone claims, the first phase of voting in Jharkhand has shown that people have supported the programs given by the coalition government (JMM-Congress). In the first phase, more women voters voted than men. This simply means that the programs given by this government for women have had an impact."
"Our coalition will emerge stronger than last time and we will form a strong government and for 5 years this government will work strongly for the people," said Mir.
Earlier on Saturday, Ghulam Ahmed Mir expressed confidence in his party's performance following the completion of the first phase of voting in the state and highlighted that despite limited resources and challenges, the INDI alliance worked tirelessly for the people.
Mir also criticized the BJP, stating that after 20 years of rule, the party had failed to deliver any tangible benefits to the people, while Congress and its alliance partners have consistently fulfilled their promises.
In contrast, Assam Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) co-in-charge for the Jharkhand election Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday assured that his party, along with the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU), will run the state government 'very well' if voted to power in Jharkhand.
"AJSU has experience in governance, we will learn from them and they will learn from us too. Together we will run the government very well," Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a press briefing in Bokaro on Saturday.
Notably, AJSU, BJP, JDU, and LJP are contesting the Jharkhand election under the NDA banner.
Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah over their criticism of the ruling JMM-led alliance on "infiltration", saying that the central government is responsible for managing international borders and has to answer if people are coming into the country illegally.
He also slammed the BJP over its leaders questioning the contributions of Congress and said the party had given the country its Constitution and created institutions without which Narendra Modi would not have been holding the Prime Minister's post.
He said the BJP government at the Centre is responsible for securing the borders.
Mallikarjun Kharge further accused the RSS and the BJP of trying to divide the people in the country and slammed the slogan 'batenge toh katenge'. He countered it with the slogan "Awaz Do, Hum Ek Hain."
The second phase of polls in Jharkhand will be held on November 20. The first phase of voting in 43 seats concluded on November 13.
The counting of votes for the Jharkhand election will be held on November 23.