THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, February 12: The Medininagar Municipal Corporation election is witnessing intense political polarisation, with caste equations, community alignments and existential threat narratives shaping the mayoral contest ahead of voting on February 23.
A strong narrative is being pushed around the possibility of the municipal corporation going entirely into the hands of the upper caste. This “existential threat” pitch is influencing voter sentiment in the Medininagar mayor election.
Candidates are campaigning aggressively, and the political ecosystem in Daltonganj is working overtime. With over a week left for polling, the campaign has already reached a high pitch.
Muslim Vote Split Weakens Decisive Role
The Muslim vote in Medininagar, once considered a “fixed deposit” for political parties, no longer holds that consolidated strength. Over the years, it has fragmented.
In the current mayoral election, Muslim voters appear divided between the JMM-supported candidate and the Congress-supported candidate. This split may weaken their influence as a decisive electoral bloc.
Rajput Comeback Talk Triggers Business Concerns
A growing perception suggests that Rajputs may stage a strong comeback in the Medininagar Municipal Corporation. There is speculation that the community could secure both the mayor and deputy mayor posts.
This perception intensified after a Rajput candidate was elected unopposed as Ward Commissioner. He is now eyeing the deputy mayor’s post. His political manoeuvring has strengthened the belief that he could succeed.
Sections of the business community are reportedly uneasy, fearing disruption to peace and ease of business if political dominance shifts sharply.
OBC-Dalit Realignment Attempts
In response, OBC groups are attempting to consolidate. Efforts are also being made to bring Dalits into a broader social coalition. However, like the Muslim community, Dalits in Medininagar remain internally divided.
A woman candidate is being projected as “Bahen” in campaign messaging to attract Dalit voters. The term carries emotional and political resonance, especially among those who hold BSP leader Mayawati in high regard.
Congress Candidate Seen as Emerging Face
The Congress-supported mayoral candidate is gaining ground, with her age and educational background projected as strengths. She is being positioned as a fresh and capable face who can improve civic amenities in Medininagar.
Triangular Contest: BJP vs JMM vs Congress
The Medininagar mayoral race is now clearly triangular. The BJP-supported candidate faces a tough challenge from both the JMM-backed candidate and the Congress-supported candidate.
The BJP camp is not entirely united. Two rebel candidates from the saffron fold are already in the fray, adding uncertainty to the electoral arithmetic.
Attention is also on the local BJP MLA. In the 2024 Vidhan Sabha election, he faced political challenges from the same leader who is now the BJP-supported mayoral candidate. Whether past electoral acrimony affects coordination this time remains to be seen.