THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, February 28: BJP-supported candidate Aruna Shankar won the mayoral election of the Medininagar Municipal Corporation for the second consecutive term, defeating her nearest rival, Congress-supported candidate Namrata Tripathy, by a margin of more than 3,000 votes.
Aruna Shankar contested on the poll symbol ‘air conditioner’, while Namrata Tripathy had the symbol ‘bench’.
Strategic Electoral Planning by BJP Camp
From the beginning, the BJP camp treated the contest as an electoral chess game. It projected the JMM-supported candidate Poonam Singh as the main rival. However, internally, the BJP strategists believed that the Congress-supported candidate would eventually emerge as the stronger challenger.
In the end, the contest became a direct fight between the BJP-supported and Congress-supported candidates, instead of a triangular contest. BJP’s election management adapted effectively to the changing ground situation.
Urban Support and ‘Fear Votes’
The BJP camp achieved two major gains.
First, it consolidated the urban voter base, where the JMM has little foothold in Palamu. There is a perception among urban voters that they are not inclined towards the JMM.
Second, it became widely known that a former gangster-turned-civil society activist was working actively for a strong candidate. This reportedly created revulsion among sections of voters, who then swung in favour of the BJP-supported candidate.
Sources said the BJP candidate benefited from what was termed as “fear votes”, particularly among traders and businessmen. From the third round of counting onwards, Aruna Shankar maintained an unstoppable lead till the fifth and final round.
Congress Candidate’s Lone Fight
Namrata Tripathy put up a determined fight. However, prominent Congress leaders like Rameshwar Oraon and Subodh Kant Sahay, often referred to as sons of the Palamu soil, were not seen actively campaigning. Oraon is considered to have more influence in the region than Sahay.
State Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore remained preoccupied with the state budget and stayed away from Daltonganj during the crucial days of the urban local body elections.
Heavyweight BJP Campaign
In contrast, the BJP camp brought in strong campaigners, including a national vice president, a national general secretary, a former chief minister, the state party president, and a film actor.
Two sitting BJP MLAs and one BJP MP openly supported Aruna Shankar.
A public perception was built that Aruna Shankar is a “harmless OBC candidate” who listens to everyone.
Vote Split Helped BJP
Namrata Tripathy enjoyed public goodwill as the youngest and most qualified candidate among the 11 women contesting the mayoral post. However, the Congress camp could not prevent a split in the Muslim and Bhuiyan votes.
Muslim votes were divided between the JMM-supported and Congress-supported candidates, which ultimately benefited the BJP-supported candidate.
The BJP candidate reportedly did not focus on Muslim-majority localities such as Nawa Toli and Kunjra Patti, aware of the community’s electoral preference.
Counting Day Arguments, No Recount
Sources said there were brief arguments during counting between the Returning Officer Kundan Kumar (Additional Collector, Palamu) and an aide of a contestant over rejected votes. The matter was handled tactfully, maintaining neutrality in the counting process.
The issue reached the District Election Officer (Municipality) and the general observer. A weak demand for recounting was raised but was not considered substantial.
Peaceful Election Process
From the filing of nominations to voting and the midnight declaration of results, the entire mayoral election process passed without any allegations of partisan conduct against the civil or police administration. The election was widely described as fair and peaceful.
Photo Caption:
BJP-supported candidate Aruna Shankar receives her certificate of election as Mayor of Medininagar Municipal Corporation from Returning Officer Kundan Kumar, Additional Collector, Palamu.