Ranchi: Defying threats and boycott calls from Maoist factions, voters in Jharkhand's Left Wing Extremism-affected areas turned out in remarkable numbers on Wednesday, showcasing a commitment to democracy despite the region’s volatility.

A voter turnout of 64.86 per cent was recorded in the 43 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where polling was held in the first phase on Wednesday. Lohardaga district topped the list with 73.21 per cent polling while Hazaribag district recorded the lowest at 59.

PM Modi urged Jharkhand voters to participate enthusiastically in the assembly elections today. Voting for 43 seats began at 7 am, with 683 candidates, including former leaders. The second phase will occur on November 20,

Ranchi: Jharkhand recorded a voter turnout of 29.31 per cent as of 11 am in the first phase of Assembly elections, according to the data of the Election Commission of India. Till 11 am, the Khunti district recorded the highest voter turnout of 34.

Polling for the first phase of Jharkhand's assembly elections, bypolls in 33 assembly seats across 11 states and the Wayanad Parliamentary seat in Kerala is set to begin today, i.e., November 13.

Tight security arrangements have been made for polling, which will continue until 5.00 pm. It will end at 4.00 pm at 950 sensitive booths spread across 31 constituencies.

Polling in Jharkhand that started at 7: 00 a.m. on Wednesday, is taking place with voters spread across 43 constituencies in 15 districts casting their ballots

Voting for 43 assembly seats in Jharkhand began this morning with a total of 683 candidates trying their luck, including former chief minister Champai Soren and ex-MP Geeta Kora.