Ranchi, February 21: Jharkhand BJP President Aditya Sahu has raised serious concerns over potential misuse of power and administrative machinery by the state government in the ongoing urban body elections. Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here on Saturday evening, Sahu urged the State Election Commission to ensure a level playing field and prevent any undue interference.
He emphasized that democracy’s grand festival demands fearless voting for all citizens. ‘Voters must exercise their franchise without fear or coercion,’ Sahu asserted, calling upon the election body and police to uphold their duty in conducting fair and peaceful polls across 48 municipal bodies scheduled for February 23.
These elections, delayed by three years due to legal battles and BJP agitations, are finally underway amid heightened scrutiny. Sahu accused the ruling dispensation of lacking genuine intent to hold polls, only buckling under public pressure. Even post-announcement, doubts linger over the government’s motives.
Key grievances include the decision to use ballot papers instead of EVMs and reliance on state police for security, both of which Sahu claims undermine poll integrity. The BJP had repeatedly demanded central forces deployment akin to parliamentary elections, a plea ignored so far.
Highlighting sensitive booths in several areas, Sahu noted that the party submitted detailed memoranda, yet authorities appear nonchalant. During statewide outreach, he observed widespread public anger against the government. Though civic polls are officially non-partisan, candidates backed by political parties face a charged electorate ready to deliver a strong message.
Sahu appealed to voters to turn out in large numbers and vote courageously, while urging police to maintain decorum and impartiality. With stakes high, these elections could signal shifting political winds in Jharkhand ahead of bigger battles.