Former Union Minister Arjun Munda, his wife cast vote in first phase of Jharkhand assembly polls

The first phase of polling started this morning.

Former Union Minister and BJP leader Arjun Munda urged the voter to cast their vote while adding that his party's candidate will perform well in the election.

"I have voted to take the state towards a bright future; I hope the people of Kharsawan will also vote in the same way. I am confident that our candidates will win," he said.

"Voting is a fundamental right, so everyone should participate in it. People's representatives should work towards meeting all expectations of the voters," the BJP leader added.

BJP's Potka Assembly constituency candidate, Meera Munda, appealed to everyone to exercise their voting rights while underscoring the large participation witnessed through lobbies outside polling booths.

"Voting for the first phase is taking place today. I appeal to everyone to exercise their franchise. People are excited to vote, and long queues can be seen outside the polling stations," she said.

Notably, a voter turnout of 13.04 per cent was recorded till 9 am in the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly Elections, as per the Election Commission of India.

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.

As per the data shared by the ECI, as of 9 am, Simdega district is leading with 15.09 per cent turnout, followed by Lohardaga and Koderma with 14.97 per cent.

The voter turnout for Seraikella-Kharsawan is 14.62 per cent, Ramgarh and Khunti is 14.37 per cent, Gumla is 13.93 per cent, West Singhbum and Latehar is 13.80 per cent, Garhwa is 13.41 per cent, and Hazaribagh is 13.20 per cent.

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. (ANI)