Three Young Women Step into Hazaribag Municipal Election Fray
In a significant development for local governance, three young women — Megha Kumari (23), Ankita Tigga (22), and Shaheen Bhardwaj (22) — have entered the contest for the Hazaribag Municipal Corporation election. Their participation underscores a growing trend of youth involvement in grassroots politics, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to address community challenges.
Megha Kumari: Inspired by Family Legacy
Megha Kumari, a candidate from Ward 3 and an economics honors graduate from Vinoba Bhave University, draws inspiration from her father, Bobby Kumar, a former councillor of the same ward. She shared, "My father is my biggest inspiration. Since childhood, I observed him serving people selflessly. I aspire to contribute to society by assisting residents and resolving their issues." Her top priorities include improving street lights, enhancing the drainage system, and ensuring better sanitation in the ward. Megha emphasized her commitment to public service regardless of the election outcome, stating, "Whether I become a ward councillor or not, I will always strive to help people. My family's door remains open for everyone."
Ankita Tigga: Focus on Infrastructure and Accessibility
Ankita Tigga, contesting from Ward 11 and currently a BA LLB student in her fifth semester at Vinoba Bhave University, decided to run after witnessing long-standing infrastructure neglect in her area. "My decision to contest stems from observing poor maintenance of infrastructure since my childhood," she explained. Her key goals involve waste management, adequate street lighting, and comprehensive road development across all localities. Additionally, Ankita plans to address drinking water shortages by facilitating the installation of hand pumps or borewells where needed. She highlighted her approach to accessibility, noting, "I will maintain connections both digitally and in person. Residents can contact me through my phone number for any concerns." Her father, Andherias Tigga, is a retired employee of St Robert Girls School.
Shaheen Bhardwaj: Advocating Accountability and Inclusivity
Shaheen Bhardwaj, a third-year BA (Hon) student in English language and literature at St Xavier's College, Ranchi, emphasizes accountability and inclusive growth in her campaign. Inspired by her father, Prafull Kumar, who served as a ward councillor, she said, "Watching him address people's problems motivated me to serve the community and work towards practical solutions." Her primary objectives include upgrading civic amenities, ensuring regular public interactions for accountability, and promoting safety through measures like installing CCTV cameras and organizing health camps. Shaheen outlined her strategy for engagement, which involves conducting regular surveys, coordinating with municipal departments, and staying connected via ward visits, public meetings, phone calls, and a dedicated WhatsApp group for grievance redressal.
Youth Engagement in Grassroots Politics
The candidacies of Megha, Ankita, and Shaheen reflect a broader shift towards youth participation in local governance. Their diverse backgrounds—from economics and law to literature—bring varied expertise to the table, focusing on tangible issues such as sanitation, infrastructure, and community safety. This trend signals a potential transformation in how municipal bodies operate, with younger leaders pushing for more responsive and inclusive policies. As the election approaches, their campaigns highlight the importance of civic engagement and the role of young voices in shaping urban development.
