DEOGHAR, Jharkhand – Voting is underway across 48 urban local bodies in Jharkhand today, with residents turning out in large numbers to elect mayors, chairpersons, and councilors. The ballot paper system has sparked debates, but BJP MP Nishikant Dubey is confident it won’t hinder his party’s dominance.
At a polling station in Deoghar’s PHD office, Dubey arrived early with his wife Anamika to cast their votes. Lines formed as voters prioritized their civic duty before breakfast, embodying the spirit of ‘first vote, then refreshments.’ Speaking to reporters afterward, Dubey urged maximum participation while critiquing the slow pace caused by paper ballots.
‘Where 750 votes are expected, only 40 have been cast so far,’ Dubey noted, blaming the Hemant Soren government for dragging the state backward by opting for ballots over efficient EVMs. He took a direct swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whose repeated allegations of EVM tampering have fueled national controversy.
‘The results of these Jharkhand municipal elections will dispel Rahul Gandhi’s illusion that BJP wins only through EVMs,’ Dubey declared. ‘Whether EVM or ballot box, BJP’s victory is assured everywhere.’
Dubey didn’t hold back on other fronts, slamming Congress workers for their disruptive protests at an AI event. ‘Just as Congress has stripped itself bare of credibility, their demonstrations reflect the same shamelessness,’ he quipped.
As polls continue till evening, turnout remains steady despite the ballot delays. Political analysts say these elections could set the tone for larger battles ahead, with BJP aiming to consolidate its urban base. Dubey’s bold predictions underscore the party’s unshakeable confidence amid opposition skepticism.