THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, February 10: The February 23 civic body elections in Jharkhand are scheduled between two major festivals — the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and Holi — raising concerns about voter turnout and election strategies, particularly in Palamu district and Medininagar Municipal Corporation.
Ramadan is expected to begin around February 18, depending on moon sighting, while Holi will be celebrated on March 3–4. The voting date falls squarely between these two festivals.
Elections held during Ramadan traditionally witness lower turnout among Muslim women, especially in the later hours of the day, as they remain engaged in preparing for Iftar. The first half of Ramadan generally sees increased religious and household activities.
Mayoral candidates are therefore banking on higher voter footfall during the early hours of polling day, particularly among Muslim voters.
Holi Migration and Early Poll Date
Holi usually brings migrant workers back to their native places, including Palamu. However, since the February 23 voting date is well ahead of the festival, most migrant voters are not expected to return home by then.
Sources said that a few candidates contesting the mayoral post of Medininagar Municipal Corporation may attempt to bring migrant voters back specially for voting.
Bihar Model of Bringing Migrant Voters
The idea of importing migrant voters is believed to have originated during Bihar’s 2025 Vidhan Sabha elections, when special arrangements — including transport from BJP-ruled states — were made to bring migrant voters back to Bihar. The move reportedly benefited the ruling parties.
A close associate of a wealthy mayoral candidate, requesting anonymity, said, “Large numbers of migrants usually return to Palamu just before Holi. Holi is on March 3–4. By that time, the elections will be over.”
“Efforts are being made to track migrant voters. They will be provided with up and down travel fare,” the supporter added.
He said bringing migrant voters from Bihar’s riverine regions such as Dehri On Sone, Rohtas, and Gaya is not difficult. According to him, road transport is easier than rail travel.
Election Officials Acknowledge Reports
Returning Officer for mayoral nominations and Additional Collector Kundan Kumar said on Monday, “We have also heard about such a move to bring in migrant voters. I understand it is a Bihar idea.” He, however, declined to comment further.
Sources said tracking migrant voters is not difficult, as family members often reveal work locations, or neighbours provide information when houses are found locked.
According to election observers, migrant voters can significantly influence voting patterns, even in urban local body elections in Palamu.
Polling Areas and Ward Details
The mayoral election will be conducted under five police station limits — Town, Sadar, Chainpur, along with SC/ST and Mahila police stations.
The mayoral post will be decided by voters from 35 wards of the Medininagar Municipal Corporation. Of these, three wards — 5, 23, and 29 — have elected ward commissioners uncontested.
Neera Devi from Ward 5, Manoj Singh from Ward 23, and Navin Kumar Gupta from Ward 29 were declared elected unopposed.
No Pink Booths, No Postal Ballots
District Election Officer (Municipality) and Deputy Commissioner of Palamu, Sameera S, said, “There will be no pink booths in this urban local body election.”
Deputy Election Officer (Municipality) Ratan Kumar Singh confirmed that there is no provision for postal ballots or service votes in these elections.