Ranchi Municipal Polls: Candidates Turn to Custom Jingles to Woo Electorate
As campaigning for the February 23 elections to the Ranchi Municipal Corporation gradually intensifies in the state capital, candidates contesting for the posts of mayor and ward councillor are adopting a musical strategy to connect with voters. Localities across Ranchi are coming alive with customized poll jingles being played from vehicles that circulate from morning until late evening, creating a vibrant yet sometimes overwhelming soundscape.
Jingles as a Campaign Tool
In almost every ward, voters are being greeted by catchy tunes interspersed with slogans, candidate names, and poll symbols. Supporters argue that this musical format helps simplify campaign messaging and enhances recall value in a crowded electoral field.
"A jingle stays in the minds of the people. In a crowded election with many candidates, recall value is very important. We are using creative methods to reach out while adhering to the permitted campaign hours," said Aliya Raza, a candidate for ward 11 councillor.
This approach is being widely adopted. For instance, ward 18 candidate Somvit Majhi has launched a specially produced campaign track outlining his focus areas and symbol. Similarly, in the same ward, candidate Sablu Munda's team is using loudspeaker-fitted vehicles to broadcast his messages through residential pockets and market stretches.
Meanwhile, in Ward 1, candidate Nakul Tirkey's campaign vehicles can be heard playing repeated jingles as they traverse colonies and main roads. This reflects how musical promotions have become a common strategy cutting across wards and party lines, indicating a shift towards more innovative voter outreach methods.
Mixed Reactions from Residents
However, the intensified soundscape has drawn mixed reactions from Ranchi residents. In neighborhoods such as Lalpur, Morabadi, Harmu, and Bariatu, locals report that multiple campaign vehicles often pass through the same stretch within short intervals, leading to overlapping jingles and constant noise.
"At times, two or three different jingles overlap. It creates confusion and constant noise," said Sangeeta Verma, a resident of one affected area.
Shopkeepers in markets describe the atmosphere as festive but occasionally chaotic. "There is energy in the air, which is good for business. But when several vehicles gather at a junction, traffic slows down," noted Suresh, a trader near Main Road.
Timing Concerns with Examinations
Compounding the issue, the campaigning period has coincided with ongoing school and college examinations. Several parents and students have appealed for restraint, expressing concerns that prolonged loudspeaker use near campuses is affecting concentration and creating avoidable stress during a crucial academic period.
This has sparked a debate about balancing political campaigning with public convenience and academic priorities. While candidates emphasize the effectiveness of jingles in voter engagement, residents call for more regulated noise levels to maintain peace and order in the city.
As the election date approaches, the use of customized jingles continues to be a prominent feature of Ranchi's political landscape, highlighting both the creativity of campaign strategies and the challenges of urban electioneering.
