Jharkhand assembly elections: Odisha Governor and former CM Raghubar Das casts vote

Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) [India], November 13 (ANI): Odisha Governor and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das, along with his family, cast their votes at a polling station in Jamshedpur on Wednesday.
After voting, Das shared his views with ANI, and said, "It is the responsibility of the people to come out and use their rights to vote...If women are not developed, the country will never develop. In a democracy, women are coming out in large numbers, I respect them..."
Das' daughter-in-law Purnima Das Sahu is the candidate from Jamshedpur East Assembly seat. Jamshedpur East Assembly seat is a bastion for the BJP-led NDA, as Das was a four-time MLA from this seat. Purnima Das Sahu is facing opposition from Congress' Ajoy Kumar on this seat.
"I want today this to the people of the state to come out and cast their votes to strengthen Jharkhand. People should raise awareness in the society and encourage people to cast votes. We have prepared a lot but today is the day of the election. People have seen our work..." Sahu said.
The first phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections began on Wednesday, with voting taking place across 43 of the state's 81 seats. As of 9:00 am, the Election Commission of India reported a voter turnout of 13.04 percent. Simdega district led with a turnout of 15.09 percent, followed by Lohardaga and Koderma at 14.97 percent. Other areas, including Seraikella-Kharsawan and Ramgarh, saw turnout ranging from 13.20 percent to 14.62 percent.
In addition to Raghubar Das, other leaders also cast their votes.
Union Minister Annapurna Devi voted in Koderma, urging citizens to participate in the "great festival of democracy." "Today is the great festival of democracy. Voting is being held for 43 seats in Jharkhand. We will request and appeal to everyone to participate enthusiastically in this great festival of democracy and cast their vote," she said.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, who voted in Ranchi, highlighted the importance of voting. "Voting is the strength of a democracy. Through elections, we choose our representatives who later work for the welfare of society and the country," he said.
Security arrangements have been strengthened for the elections, with over 200 companies of security forces deployed. Polling is set to continue until 5:00 pm in most areas, with an earlier closing time at 4:00 pm in sensitive booths.
Counting of votes will take place on November 23. (ANI)