Amit Shah, Kharge urge people of Jharkhand to cast votes in record numbers

Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to those voting in the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly polls on Wednesday to exercise their franchise in record numbers to end corruption, infiltration and appeasement in the state.

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

"I appeal to all the voters going to vote in the first phase of polling in Jharkhand to cast record votes for the creation of a Jharkhand which is free from corruption, infiltration and appeasement, and is developed," Shah wrote on X in Hindi.

The home minister said the people of Jharkhand should vote in large numbers to protect tribal identity, land, security of women, and employment for the youth.

Shah also asked the people to vote before having breakfast, saying, "Roti-beti-mati ke liye pehle matdan, phir jalpan".

The second phase of elections will be held on November 20 in the state. The votes will be counted on November 23.  Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday urged people to vote to strengthen democracy and said before pressing the EVM button they must think about forming a government that ensures the participation of all and not one that "divides, misleads and polarises".

His remarks came as polling began for 43 Assembly seats in Jharkhand, Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election and bypolls in 31 Assembly constituencies in 10 states.

In a post in Hindi on X, Kharge said all voters are requested to cast their valuable votes to strengthen democracy and the Constitution.

"The people of Jharkhand have to vote for social justice for all, inclusive development and good governance as well as for the protection of 'jal, jungle, zameen (water, forests, land) and tribal civilisation, and to keep divisive forces away from the state," the Congress president said.

"Before pressing the button on the EVM, you have to think that we have to form a government that ensures the involvement and participation of the people, not a government that divides, misleads and polarises the people, only then will we be able to save the values of the Constitution," Kharge said.

"We welcome and congratulate our friends who are voting for the first time. Exercise your rights thoughtfully. Definitely vote and inspire others too," he said.