Kalpana Soren, jailed CM Hemant’s wife, manages a bypoll win

Although the EC website showed her to be leading, sources claimed she had won by a margin of 27,000 votes.

Kalpana also claimed victory. “I extend heartfelt support to people for their unwavering support…I extend thanks to Disom Guru Shibu Soren Ji (JMM supremo), Hemant Ji…I will work tirelessly for the people. It shows INDIA Bloc unity,” she said.

Gandey constituency saw a voter turnout of 61.81 per cent, with more women voting than men.

During her campaign, Kalpana had highlighted the “injustice” meted out to her husband “just for doing his work”. Hemant was arrested on January 31 by the Enforcement Directorate in a case linked to alleged land grab.

By the end of her campaigning, Kalpana had visited more than two-thirds of the 66 panchayats in Gandey, which has about 26 per cent tribal population, with OBCs and Muslims accounting for a large chunk of the remaining population.

JMM sources said that even in many villages dominated by upper-caste Rajputs or Bhumihars, Kalpana was able to connect with villagers by talking to them about their issues and promising their resolution.