Ranchi Municipal Corporation Elections: Nomination Rush Intensifies as Deadline Nears
The nomination process for the upcoming Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) elections gathered significant momentum on Monday, with candidates for ward councillors and the mayoral post racing against time to complete their formalities. The nomination window is set to close on Wednesday, adding urgency to the proceedings.
Political Activities and Traffic Congestion
Political activities outside the nomination centres picked up pace as candidates arrived with their entourages and musical instruments, creating a festive yet chaotic atmosphere. The swelling numbers of supporters led to frequent traffic congestions on Kutchery Chowk and its linking roads, disrupting normal vehicular movement during peak hours.
Administrative Arrangements and Nomination Statistics
To manage the rush, the Ranchi district administration set up separate nomination counters. Ward councillor nominations were accepted at Block A of the collectorate, while candidates contesting the mayoral post filed their papers at Block B. In a statement released late on Monday evening, the administration reported that 94 candidates had filed nomination papers across the 53 wards of the RMC.
Interestingly, while five nomination papers have been sold for the post of mayor, not a single nomination has been filed yet for this position, indicating a potential last-minute rush or strategic delays by mayoral aspirants.
Candidates Highlight Civic Issues
Ward 18 councillor candidate Sablu Munda reached the nomination centre after offering prayers at the Chadri Akhara Puja Sthal, accompanied by hundreds of supporters amid drumbeats and traditional music. Addressing his supporters later, Munda alleged neglect of the ward’s residents, stating, “People of Ward 18 feel cheated. Even today, basic civic facilities remain out of reach. If elected, I will ensure that residents are no longer deprived of essential services.”
Candidates from other wards also raised pressing local civic issues. Sabita Kujur, a contestant from Ward 36, highlighted water scarcity in Girija Toli of Pundag, saying, “This is a semi-rural area and has been consistently sidelined. Residents face an acute drinking water problem, which needs immediate attention.” She added that development remained uneven across the ward, underscoring the need for focused governance.
Security and Traffic Management
Supporters holding party flags and banners crowded the nomination premises, prompting authorities to deploy additional personnel to maintain order. Traffic police were pressed into service to regulate vehicular movement as congestion built up, ensuring minimal disruption to public life.
Election officials confirmed that the nomination process was proceeding smoothly and urged candidates and their supporters to adhere to guidelines to avoid inconvenience to the public. They emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and following traffic regulations to ensure a fair and orderly election process.
As the nomination deadline approaches, political fervor is expected to escalate further, with candidates making last-ditch efforts to secure their positions and address the civic concerns of Ranchi’s residents.
