Jharkhand Election Results: JMM Demands Internet Ban Near Counting Centres, Alleges BJP Deputed Electronic Experts

In the 2019 elections, the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance secured 47 seats, with JMM winning 30. The BJP, which won 37 seats in 2014, saw its tally drop to 25.

The ruling JMM in Jharkhand wrote to the Election Commission on Friday night and demanded the suspension of internet services within a two-kilometre radius of the counting centres.  JMM alleged that the BJP has deputed "highly qualified" electronic experts from other states. The JMM also demanded a ban on electronic gadgets near the counting centres.

The counting of votes for the 81-member Jharkhand assembly began across 24 centres in the state at 8 am on Saturday.

"We have come to know through reliable sources that the BJP has deputed highly qualified electronic experts from other states outside counting centres. This is a serious matter," JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya claimed in the letter to the Election Commission.

He demanded that announcements of results should be made after every round of counting through loudspeakers.

JMM Alliance Or BJP-Led NDA? 

For the 81-member legislative assembly, a majority mark of 42 seats is required for any party or coalition to stake claim and form the government. This election saw a record voter turnout of 67.74%, the highest since Jharkhand’s formation on November 15, 2000. Voting took place in two phases: the first on November 13, covering 43 constituencies, and the second on November 20, for the remaining 38 seats.  

In the 2019 elections, the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance secured 47 seats, with JMM winning 30. The BJP, which won 37 seats in 2014, saw its tally drop to 25. Of the 28 ST-reserved seats, JMM won 19, Congress 6, BJP 2, and JVM(P) 1. For the 9 SC-reserved seats, BJP secured 6, JMM 2, and RJD 1.