By-Election for Jharkhand’s Ghatshila Seat on November 11; New Voting Measures Introduced

Ranchi – The Election Commission has scheduled the Ghatshila Assembly bypoll in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district for November 11, following the death of former minister Ramdas Soren. The ST-reserved seat will see voting in a single phase, with counting on November 14.

According to the poll schedule, the gazette notification will be released on October 13. The last date for nominations is October 21, scrutiny will be held on October 22, and withdrawals can be made until October 24.

The declaration of the election has brought the Model Code of Conduct into force across East Singhbhum.

The Jharkhand CEO’s office has announced that, for the first time, EVMs will display colour photographs of candidates, making the voting process more transparent and voter-friendly.

The constituency now has 2,55,823 registered voters — 1,30,921 women and 1,24,899 men — after a recent revision added 4,456 new voters. The Commission has also made adjustments to polling locations, establishing 300 polling stations across 218 sites to ensure greater accessibility.

Officials confirmed that administrative and security preparations are nearly complete to guarantee a peaceful and fair electoral process. Senior election officers are expected to visit the constituency soon to review arrangements.

This marks the first by-election under Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s government, setting the stage for a politically charged contest in the tribal-dominated constituency.

With inputs from IANS