Ranchi Mayor Election Field Narrows Significantly After Withdrawals
In a significant development ahead of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) mayoral election, eight candidates formally withdrew their nomination papers on Friday, the final date for such withdrawals. This action has dramatically reshaped the electoral landscape, reducing the number of contenders from a larger pool to just eleven candidates who will now compete for the prestigious mayoral post.
Final List of Candidates Confirmed
Polling officials confirmed that the scrutiny process concluded without any nomination papers being rejected, ensuring a smooth procedural phase. The withdrawal of the eight candidates—identified as Ajit Lakra, Kathrina Tirkey, Viru Tirkey, Rajendra Munda, Ramsharan Tirkey, Sujit Kumar Kujur, Sunil Fakira Kachhap, and Sanjay Kumar Toppo—occurred before the electoral officer at the Ranchi collectorate. Following this, the Ranchi district election officer issued a statement officially listing the remaining eleven candidates in the fray.
The confirmed candidates for the mayoral position are: Rama Khalkho, Devi Dayal Munda, Sonu Khalkho, Sujata Kachhap, Vinod Kumar Baraik, Praveen Kacchap, Suman Kant Tigga, Kiran Kumari, Surendra Linda, Roshni Khalkho, and Sujit Vijay Anand Kujur. This diverse group sets the stage for what is anticipated to be a highly competitive and intense campaigning period in the lead-up to the election.
Key Election Dates and Procedures
The electoral process is now moving forward with several critical milestones. The allocation of election symbols to the candidates is scheduled for Saturday, taking place from 11 am to 3 pm. This step is crucial as it formalizes the candidates' identities on the ballot and marks the beginning of the active campaigning phase.
Polling for the RMC elections is firmly set for February 23, with voters expected to cast their ballots to decide the next mayor of Ranchi. The counting of votes will follow on February 27, determining the outcome of this closely watched municipal election. Officials have emphasized that all preparations are underway to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process, with heightened security and logistical arrangements in place.
Anticipated High-Pitched Campaigning
With the field now narrowed to eleven candidates, political analysts predict a period of vigorous and high-pitched campaigning in the coming days. The reduction in candidates is likely to intensify focus on key issues such as urban development, infrastructure, and local governance in Ranchi. Stakeholders, including political parties and independent candidates, are expected to ramp up their outreach efforts to sway voters ahead of the February 23 polling date.
This election is seen as a significant event in Jharkhand's political calendar, with potential implications for local administration and policy direction in the state capital. As the campaign unfolds, residents and observers alike will be closely monitoring the strategies and promises put forth by the remaining candidates in this pivotal race for Ranchi's leadership.
