Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been named the brand ambassador for Jharkhand's upcoming elections. Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar announced that Dhoni has consented to the use of his photo by the Election Commission for the assembly elections. "Mahendra Singh Dhoni has granted his permission to the Election Commission to utilize his image. We are coordinating with him for additional details. Dhoni will play a key role in mobilizing voters," Kumar stated during a press conference in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on Friday.
Dhoni will work to increase awareness among voters under the SWEEP (Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation) program. The poll body is hoping to capitalise on Dhoni's appeal and popularity to increase enthusiasm, especially among voters to vote in greater numbers.
A total of 43 constituencies will participate in the first phase of polling on November 13. The nomination process concluded on Friday, with former Chief Minister Champai Soren filing his nomination as the BJP candidate from Saraikela. He stated that the Congress and its allies have no presence in Jharkhand and will not be competitive in the upcoming elections.
All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) party president and former Deputy Chief Minister Sudesh Mahato submitted his nomination for the Silli assembly constituency on Friday. Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) released its first list of 35 candidates for the elections on October 23. Additionally, on October 19, the BJP announced its first list of 66 candidates for the Jharkhand assembly elections, as the ruling JMM-led alliance finalized the details of their seat-sharing agreement.