THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, February 9: The Medininagar Municipal Corporation election is shaping up to be a high-voltage contest ahead of polling on February 23. The mayoral seat is reserved for women, with 11 women candidates in the fray, including two former women mayors and the spouse of a former deputy mayor.
What was earlier expected to be a calm civic election has turned tense with the behind-the-scenes involvement of a former gangster turned civil society activist. His open and aggressive backing of a mayoral candidate has charged the election atmosphere, making the contest increasingly bitter.
Late-Night Visit Raises Eyebrows
The former gangster-activist recently made a late-night visit to the supporter of a rival candidate, arriving with his men in four cars. The visit left little doubt about its intent and has added to fears of intimidation and coercion in the Medininagar municipal polls.
Warning signs were visible on the last day of nominations when Wards 5, 23, and 29 saw only one nomination each, leading to uncontested victories. Among the three ward councillors elected unopposed, two are men and one is a woman. Their victories were widely seen as a foregone conclusion days before nominations closed.
No complaints were lodged with the administration from these wards regarding obstruction in filing nominations. Observers believe the lack of contest stemmed more from alienation than open confrontation.
Voters Fear Muscle and Money Power
Speaking to The Jharkhand Story Network, voters across the 35 wards of Medininagar Municipal Corporation expressed concern that the election is drifting away from democratic competition toward one dominated by muscle power, money power, fear, and coercion.
Voters warned that the night of February 22–23 could witness the distribution of cash, liquor, and freebies, along with attempts to restrain voters from weaker sections, especially in slum and marginalised areas.
Voters Demand Strong Administrative Action
To ensure free, fair, and peaceful voting, citizens have urged the administration to take the following steps:
- Start flag marches from February 20
- Assure weaker section and slum voters of their voting rights
- Bind down dubious elements under the jurisdictions of Town, Sadar, and Chainpur police stations, along with SC/ST and Mahila police stations
- Crack down on illicit liquor sales in urban areas
- Ensure strict security of ballot papers and ballot boxes
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) during transportation of polled ballot boxes
With polling day nearing, all eyes are now on the administration to ensure that the Medininagar Municipal Corporation election remains peaceful and free from intimidation.