Jharkhand Polls: What's At Stake?

Voting will take place across 38 constituencies in 12 districts in Jharkhand on Wednesday. 43 seats went to polls in the first phase. Prominent figures in this phase include Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto, and State BJP President Babulal Marandi. The BJP's campaign has focused on the issues faced by the state's tribal population with the slogan "Roti, Beti, Aur Mati', claiming the ruling JMM-Congress alliance allowed outsiders to exploit the region's resources and culture. This theme of of land encroachment and alleged infiltrators was emphasised by leader after leader in the state. However, it remains to be seen whether this narrative will find resonance with voters as the incumbent Hemant Soren banks on the wave of sympathy he has received following his arrest.