The election for seven members of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) empowered standing committee was held at the Patna Collectorate on Saturday, resulting in the selection of two new members and the re-election of five sitting members. Sunita Devi from ward 68 was elected unopposed, while Rajkumar Gupta from ward 39 secured his seat through the voting process.
Retained Members and Close Contest
The five members who retained their positions are Kumar Sanjeet (Ward 34), Shweta Rai (Ward 14), Anita Devi (Ward 22), Manoj Kumar (Ward 67), and Vinod Kumar (Ward 70). Notably, Anita Devi won by a narrow margin of just one vote, receiving 36 votes in total.
Changes in Election Process
Following amendments to the Bihar Municipal Act, 2007, under the Bihar Municipal (Amendment) Act, 2026, members of the standing committee are now elected by councillors instead of being selected by the mayor. Of the 75 councillors, 73 cast their votes in the election, which was conducted using ballot papers.
Mayor's Remarks
Mayor Sita Sahu congratulated the elected members, stating, “This election marks the end of serial-number politics and the beginning of a more empowered Patna. The empowered standing committee is the backbone of the corporation, which prioritises the city’s development.” She added that the committee’s first meeting will be convened soon to make decisions on development schemes and matters of public interest.
