Young Voters in Jharkhand Finally Cast Ballots in Long-Awaited Civic Body Elections
After being deprived of civic body elections for nearly three years, thousands of young voters aged between 18 and 21 in Ranchi and Jamshedpur are finally getting their first opportunity to participate in municipal polls. Many are approaching this democratic exercise with serious intent, eager to shape their local communities.
A Historic Moment for Jamshedpur and Ranchi
In Jamshedpur, some residents are casting votes in a municipal election for the first time since India's independence. The three-year delay meant that an entire batch of newly eligible voters has been waiting for this moment to make their voices heard in local governance.
Across Ranchi's wards—from Kanke and Harmu to Doranda and Lalpur—college students and first-time voters are actively discussing pressing civic issues. Their conversations center on sanitation, road conditions, drainage systems, street lighting, and the quality of local schools.
Voices of the Young Electorate
Sameer Krishna, a 19-year-old from Ward 10, expressed his anticipation: "We kept hearing about civic issues, but we never got a chance to vote. Now that we can, we want councillors who focus on roads and proper waste management."
Ayush Kumar, another 19-year-old first-time voter, emphasized practical concerns: "For students, clean surroundings and safe streets matter more than big political speeches."
In Ward 1, Simran Singh, 18, described the experience as empowering: "This is my first election ever. Local governance directly affects our daily lives—from water supply to street lights near tuition centers."
Krishna Kant Pathak, 19, echoed these sentiments, highlighting problems with uneven roads and clogged drains during monsoon seasons.
Women Voters Speak Out on Safety and Infrastructure
Young women voters are equally vocal about their priorities. Sakshi Kumari Sharma, 20, identified safety and lighting as major issues, while Tanu Kumari, 19, stressed that better civic planning would create healthier environments for students preparing for competitive exams.
Many first-time voters reported familiarizing themselves with the ballot-based voting system and encouraging their peers to participate. For Ranchi's youngest electorate, this long-awaited civic poll represents more than just a formality—it marks their entry into shaping neighborhood-level futures.
First Elections in Two Municipal Areas
In at least two municipal areas, voters—including many youngsters—are excited about exercising their electoral franchise for the first time in any municipal election. These two municipal bodies, separated from the Jamshedpur Notified Area, are holding elections for the first time since independence.
Ramesh Kumar, a medical student from Mango area, shared his perspective: "I am a third-generation resident of an area that still lacks proper water supply or drainage systems—two basic civic amenities. No MLA or MP from any political party has resolved our problems. My family and I hope that after these elections, the winning candidate will ensure development in this non-Tata Steel command area."
He contrasted conditions between areas: "In Jamshedpur's command areas, people enjoy proper piped water supply, uninterrupted electricity, good roads, and proper garbage disposal. Unfortunately, it's just the opposite in Mango and Jugsalai."
Residents Highlight Long-Standing Civic Neglect
Sabina Begum, a college student from Mango area, pointed to visible problems: "Look at the garbage lying on the main road. During rains, when already clogged drains overflow, we're literally confined to our houses for days." She added, "I will vote for the candidate who can ensure solutions to civic problems that have plagued this area for fifty years."
Hassan Akhter, a diploma engineering student, described traffic congestion as a nightmare: "Main roads are encroached by vendors and illegally parked vehicles. The area lacks good schools, forcing residents to send their children to Bistupur, Sakchi, and other areas for better education."
This election represents a significant democratic milestone for Jharkhand's youth, who are determined to translate their voting power into tangible improvements for their communities.
