Voters across Jharkhand are thronging polling stations today as voting gets underway for elections to 48 urban local bodies. From 7 AM to 5 PM, over 43 lakh eligible voters will decide the fate of more than 6100 candidates contesting for positions in 9 municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils, and 19 nagar panchayats.
These non-partisan polls are being conducted using ballot papers – pink ones for mayor and chairperson posts, white for ward councilors. At 4307 polling stations, including 2445 sensitive and 896 highly sensitive booths, tight security measures are in place. CCTV surveillance covers vulnerable spots, and facilities like wheelchairs and drinking water aid elderly and disabled voters.
Enthusiasm runs high after a long gap since the 2018 elections. Long queues formed early morning in Ranchi and other cities, signaling a potential surge in turnout. In 2018, polling percentages varied widely: Ranchi Municipal Corporation saw 49.3%, while some nagar panchayats like Basukinath hit 76.6%.
Voters without EPIC cards can still cast ballots using alternatives like Aadhaar, PAN, or driving licenses, provided their names are on the rolls. Ranchi alone has 909 booths for over 10 lakh voters, with the mayor post reserved for Scheduled Tribes. Results are slated for February 27.
Authorities expect higher participation this time, bolstered by robust arrangements for a peaceful, fear-free voting process. Women’s security personnel are deployed alongside men at all booths.