Unique Poll Symbols Dominate Jamshedpur Municipal Election Campaigns
As the nomination process for ward councillors, mayoral, and chairman posts concludes with the allotment of election symbols, candidates in Jamshedpur have embarked on a creative campaign to woo voters through distinctive and memorable symbols. From everyday household items like biscuits, buckets, battery torches, and bangles to modern devices such as CCTV cameras and air-conditioners, each symbol carries a strategic message aimed at resonating with the electorate.
Symbols with a Personal Touch
Balbir Kaur, a contender for the Jugsalai Municipal Council (JMC) chairman post, emphasized the relatability of her allotted symbol. "The walking stick symbol is common in households, with elders using it for walking. Voters can easily connect with this symbol," she stated, highlighting how such symbols foster a personal bond with the community.
Similarly, Sanjay Sardar, contesting for the Adityapur Municipal Corporation (AMC) mayoral post, explained the significance of his bucket symbol. "The bucket is essential in every house. It holds great meaning for people, especially as residents spend hours sourcing buckets of water during summer due to severe water scarcity in the municipality," he added. Sardar believes this symbol will require minimal effort for voters to remember, tapping into a pressing local issue.
Modern Symbols in the Electoral Arena
Sandhya Singh, the Mango Municipal Corporation (MMC) mayoral candidate, was allotted a camera as her election symbol. She noted, "The camera is a useful device, and with mobile phones making cameras even more popular, voters can easily recall this poll symbol." This reflects a blend of traditional campaigning with contemporary elements to appeal to a broader audience.
Beyond Symbols: The Role of Trust
While symbols play a crucial role in these non-party-based elections, candidates stress that voter trust remains paramount. Binoti Hansda, another AMC mayoral candidate, remarked, "Candidates who work sincerely for the people and stand by them ultimately win the trust of voters." This underscores the importance of grassroots engagement and genuine service over mere symbolic appeal.
Election Contests in Numbers
The electoral landscape is competitive, with multiple candidates vying for key positions. Notably, 13 candidates are in the fray for the MMC mayoral post, nine for the AMC mayoral post, eight for the JMC chairman post, and four for the Chakulia Nagar Panchayat (CNP) chairman post. This diversity highlights the vibrant democratic process in the region.
As Jamshedpur gears up for the municipal elections, these unique poll symbols serve as a testament to the candidates' innovative approaches to connecting with voters, blending everyday realities with electoral strategies to shape the outcome.
