THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, February 24: Heavy rain, fasting officials and tense moments marked the return of polling parties during the Urban Local Body (ULB) elections in Daltonganj on Monday.
Though moderate rain had been forecast, the downpour that began around 5.45 pm caught the administration off guard. The timing was critical, as polling parties were returning with polled ballot boxes.
Rains Disrupt Arrangements
The overhead tent set up for the dispatch and receipt of ballot boxes was soon soaked. Rainwater began pouring in, leaving only small dry patches, not enough for polling personnel and ballot boxes.
The situation could have worsened, but the buildings of Nilamber Pitamber University proved helpful. The university auditorium was used immediately. Locks of another building were opened to safely accommodate polling personnel and ballot boxes until they were deposited in the strong room.
Broad laminated sheets provided to polling personnel were used as makeshift umbrellas.
By 9 pm, all 246 polling parties had returned, and the ballot boxes were safely stored in a well-guarded strong room.
Roza and Press Conference Amid Downpour
A joint press conference by District Election Officer (Municipality) Sameera S and SP Reeshma Ramesan was scheduled for 6 pm, close to Iftar time.
DDC Md Jawed Hussain, who is the nodal officer for at least three election cells, ended his day-long fast with a few sips of bottled water.
ALSO READ: Jharkhand Budget: Rs 1.58 lakh crore plan targets jobs, farmers, health and growth
A lone journalist present had only a thermos of lukewarm water for Iftar. The DDC later sent a plate of sandwiches for him. However, the plate was taken back untouched, as other journalists looked on.
One Muslim polling personnel shared that he deliberately did not carry biscuits for Iftar, fearing misunderstanding, as “biscuit” was the election symbol for the mayoral post.
SP Reeshma Ramesan also offered a vehicle to a journalist to help him reach home, as the heavy rain had nearly damaged his press conference notes.
Panic and Minor Incidents
As ballot boxes began arriving, some supporters rushed in panic without any clear reason. In one instance, a mayoral candidate’s uncle was reportedly given toungue lashing when he tried to interfere unnecessarily.
Voting Irregularities Reported
Sources said that in Hussainabad Nagar Panchayat and Bishrampur Nagar Parishad, some voters used their left thumb impression on ballot papers. This was not allowed, as a stamp with an ink pad had been provided.
The error was reportedly more common among members of Sakhi Mandals, who are used to using thumb impressions for official work, such as handling group funds.
Palamu election teams had designed an easy-to-fold system for ballot papers, making voting more convenient. However, a few voters were seen leaving the booths with ballot papers.
At Kacharwa Tola booth, a young woman came out holding the Ward Commissioner ballot paper. After her mother asked her to drop it in the ballot box, she returned inside and later claimed she had done so. However, the ballot paper was reportedly dropped unstamped.