Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi (L) with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in Ranchi , Jharkhand, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (PTI Photo)

Hemant Soren's party, Congress to contest 70 of 81 seats in Jharkhand polls

Hemant Soren on Saturday said that the INDIA bloc partners, consisting of Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and the Left parties, will contest the upcoming assembly polls together and the Congress and the JMM will field candidates in 70 of 81 seats.

by · India Today

In Short

  • INDIA bloc partners to contest Jharkhand polls together
  • 70 candidates confirmed, 11 seats under discussion
  • Jharkhand Assembly polls on November 13 and 20, results on 23

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced on Saturday that a consensus has been reached on seat-sharing within the INDIA bloc for the upcoming state assembly election.

Hemant Soren on Saturday said that the INDIA bloc partners, consisting of Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and the Left parties, will contest the upcoming polls together. The Congress and the JMM will field candidates in 70 of 81 seats, he said.

“We have considered all aspects and perspectives, and we are moving forward as an alliance,” said Soren. “In the first phase, it has been decided that 70 candidates will contest. The remaining 11 seats will be finalised after further consultations with our partners.”

Soren emphasised the unity within the alliance, stating that the Congress, RJD, JMM, and Left would work together to present a strong front. The details regarding which party will contest from which seat and constituency will be shared soon.

Adding to this, Jharkhand Minister and Congress leader Banna Gupta confirmed the smooth process of seat-sharing negotiations. “Our in-charge, president, and CLP leader sat down with the INDIA bloc team. Everything is systematic and running smoothly. There are no doubts or uncertainties. We are confident that the people of Jharkhand will once again give the INDIA bloc, led by Hemant Soren, the opportunity to govern.”

The assembly polls for 81 seats will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, and counting will take place on November 23.

The NDA on Friday announced its seat-sharing formula among its partners. The BJP will contest 68 seats, AJSU Party 10, JD(U) 2 and LJP (Ram Vilas) 1.