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, officials said. Lohardaga district topped the list with 73.

Voting for the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024 has begun across 43 out of 81 constituencies today.

The outcome will decide the fate of 683 candidates vying for legislative seats, including 17 general seats, 20 reserved for Scheduled Tribes, and six for Scheduled Castes.

In the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, voter turnout hit 64.86%, slightly above the 63.9% recorded in 2019. With the ruling JMM-led INDIA alliance and BJP-led NDA vying for power, this election could significantly reshape the state's political landscape.

Among the constituencies participating in today's voting, Khunti reported the highest turnout at 34.1%, while East Singhbhum recorded the lowest at 28.3%

Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni casts his vote at a polling booth in Ranchi to cast his vote for the Jharkhand assembly elections. Watch here. Jharkhand election 2024 live updates: Former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni,

Voters across 43 assembly seats in 15 districts are casting their ballots in the first phase today. Voting is also being held for bypolls in 33 assembly seats and Wayanad Lok Sabha seat today where Priyanka Gandhi is a candidate.