SWAMI DIVYAGYAN
Ranchi, Oct. 30: With Jharkhand’s first phase of assembly elections approaching on November 13, voter focus is drawn to the 48 candidates across both the NDA and INDIA alliances who face criminal allegations.
Affidavits reveal serious charges—from attempted murder to illegal mining and fraud—against 24 candidates each from the NDA and INDIA alliances. As concerns grow over these disclosures, this election raises the need for innovative solutions and creative engagement strategies to ensure voter awareness and transparency.
Criminal Allegations Against Key Candidates
In the NDA camp, BJP’s Manoj Yadav from Barhi leads with 12 cases, followed by AJSU’s Harelal Mahto from Ichagarh with 11 cases, and BJP’s Bhanu Pratap Shahi from Bhawanathpur with 10 cases. Other notable NDA candidates include Kushwaha Shashi Bhushan Mehta with nine cases and Satyendra Tiwari from Garhwa with seven cases.
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For the INDIA alliance, the Congress and the JMM contribute the highest number of candidates with criminal backgrounds: RJD’s Naresh Kumar Singh from Vishrampur faces five cases, while Congress’s K.N. Tripathi from Daltonganj has four pending cases.
With criminal cases stretching across both alliances, voters face the complex decision of balancing criminal records with loyalty to familiar leaders. In response to these revelations, various experts are proposing tech-driven innovations to enhance transparency and provide voters with real-time information on candidates.
Tech Innovations for Transparency
To make candidate information accessible, a Digital Transparency Portal could centralize records and details about each candidate, from criminal allegations to policy pledges. This online portal could use interactive tools, such as infographics and candidate comparisons, to help voters make informed choices. Additionally, Augmented Reality (AR) technology could be introduced in mobile apps, enabling voters to scan posters or flyers for instant information on a candidate’s background.
Engaging Younger Voters with Gamification
For enhanced voter engagement, experts suggest gamifying the voter education process. Mobile apps could reward users for learning about candidates’ platforms, debating key issues, and participating in virtual elections, effectively turning voter awareness into an interactive experience. Art and cultural events centred around democratic values could also serve as platforms for voter education, using performances to emphasise clean governance and accountability.
Community-Centric Solutions for Direct Engagement
Community-driven solutions are also gaining traction, with suggestions for public debates and community forums where candidates can answer questions directly from voters, increasing transparency. Live-streaming these events could expand reach, engaging remote voters. Voter feedback apps could gather real-time public sentiment, influencing future campaign strategies by providing insights into voter concerns.
Setting a Precedent for Cleaner Elections in Jharkhand
Jharkhand’s upcoming elections present an opportunity for voters to prioritize transparency and integrity. With criminal allegations prevalent among candidates, the proposed tech innovations and community engagement strategies offer a new path forward, emphasizing informed choices. As Jharkhand heads to the polls, these tools and solutions could set a precedent for more transparent elections, fostering a more accountable political culture in the state.
