Vote date: Monday, May 6, 2019
Subodh Kant Sahay Telegraph picture
RANCHI
Candidates: (20) and net worth
Subodh Kant Sahay (Cong): Rs 7.35cr
Sanjay Seth (BJP): Rs 1.40cr
Ram Tahal Choudhary (Ind): Rs 4.59cr
Voters: 16.48 lakh (Kurmi, Vaishya, upper caste, SC)
The contest: Seth, Sahay and Ram Tahal are local faces. BJP would like to call it its stronghold, but the angry sitting MP, contesting as an Independent, is likely to split BJP votes and help Sahay who looks to make a comeback
Issues: Poor traffic, erratic power, water crisis, pending food park project, no facilities for vegetable growers
Voterspeak: No government has given so much of importance to cleanliness and to building toilets for the poor like the Modi government. My domestic help wants me to vote for BJP. Akansha Rai (35), homemaker 2014 Polling (%): 60.53
Winner: Ram Tahal (BJP) defeated Sahay (Cong) by 199,303 votes
Vote share (%): BJP 42.74, Cong 13.57,
JVM: 6.45, Ajsu: 13.57
Jayant Sinha Telegraph picture
HAZARIBAGH
Candidates: (20) and net worth
Jayant Sinha (BJP): Rs 77.07cr
Gopal Prasad Sahu (Cong): Rs 34.61cr
Bhuneshwar Mehta (CPI): Rs 3.89cr
Voters: 13.38 lakh (Kurmi, Vaishya, Muslim, upper caste)
The contest: Jayant Sinha looks confident, while the others are looking to woo their own communities, Sahu Vaishyas and Mehta Mahtos
Issues: Land acquisition by NTPC for its coal mining project at Pankri Barwadih in Barkagaon, drinking water crisis
Voterspeak: Entire Hazaribagh has been facing drinking water crisis. I will vote for the party that ensures water to the thirsty population. Sunil Singh (36), businessman
2014 Polling (%): 63.69
Winner: Sinha (BJP) defeated Saurabh Narain Sing (Cong) by 159,128 votes
Vote share (%): BJP 42.07, Cong 25.62, Ajsu Party 16.14, CPI 3.13
Arjun Munda Telegraph picture
KHUNTI
Candidates: (11) and net worth
Arjun Munda (BJP): Rs 9.15cr
Kalicharan Munda (Cong): Rs 51.11 lakh
Voters: 11.99 lakh (Sarna tribals, Christian, OBC, Muslim)
The contest: Arjun Munda is front-runner but he faces an undercurrent of tribal anger that came to fore in two years ago in the form of the self-rule protests (pathalgadhi) in some villages. He has the backing of Karia Munda, who won the seat for the BJP eight times, but was denied a ticket on account of his age. Congress has consolidated its position after winning in the Assembly segment of Kolebira last year.
Issues: Drinking water crisis, poor irrigation, bad roads, poor electricity, illegal opium cultivation, migration, human trafficking, few colleges, left wing extremism
Voterspeak: The land of Birsa Munda is facing all kinds of problems.
There are only two colleges in Khunti district for over 11,000 students. There is no opportunity to pursue post-graduation for which I will have to go to Ranchi or Jamshedpur. I will vote for a candidate who can ensure better educational facilities. Sangita Munda (22), student of Birsa College-Khunti
2014 Polling (%): 66.34
Winner: Karia Munda (BJP) defeated Anosh Ekka (Jharkhand Party) by 92,248
Vote share (%): BJP 36.52, Jharkhand Party: 24, Cong 19.95, Ajsu Party 3.68
Annapurna Devi Telegraph picture
KODERMA
Candidates: (14) and net worth
Annapurna Devi (BJP): Rs9.76cr
Babulal Marandi (JVM): Rs 1.09cr
Rajkumar Yadav (CPI-ML): Rs 1.49cr
Voters: 17.79 lakh (Yadav, Koiri, Muslim and upper caste)
The contest: Koderma is a traditional seat of the BJP. Marandi won the seat twice, but CPI(ML) has also gained ground
Issues: Migration, collapse of mica and stone industries, lack of trauma centre, child labour
Voterspeak: A large number of children in Koderma are forced to work as labourers. I will vote for the party that ensures that not a single child is forced to work. Children must go to school. Shishir Singh (49), lawyer 2014 Polling (%): 62.51
Winner Ravindra Rai (BJP) defeated Rajkumar Yadav (CPI-ML) by 98,654
Vote share (%): Cong 5.88, BJP 35.65, CPI (ML) 26.02, JVM 15.67
A BJP hoarding on Main Road in Ranchi. The Congress hoarding appears on the side. Picture by Manob Chowdhary
