BJP  today released the first list of its 66 candidates for the upcoming Assembly Elections in Jharkhand. The list includes the names of former Chief Minister and BJP State President Babulal Marandi, who will contest from the Dhanwar seat, while former Chief Minister Champai Soren will be the party candidate from Saraikella Assembly constituency. Besides, the Party has filed Sita Soren from Jamtara seat, Geeta Koda from Jaganathpur, and Geeta Balmuchu from Chaibasa constituency, while C. P. Singh has been nominated from Ranchi seat.

Under the seat-sharing formula of the NDA, the BJP will contest on 68 seats. The names of candidates for the remaining two seats were not announced today.

Earlier today, I.N.D.I.A block also announced the seat-sharing formula for the Elections. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Congress will contest on 70 seats. Talking to reporters in Ranchi, JMM Executive President Hemant Soren said 11 seats were given to RJD and CPI-ML. Mr. Soren said seat sharing between JMM and Congress will be decided soon. Similarly, sharing seats of RJD and CPI-ML will be shortly announced. Hemant Soren said the list of the candidates is also ready, and it will be made public.

Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will be held in two phases on the 13th and 20th of next month. The counting of votes will take place on the 23rd of November.