THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, February 5: The nomination process for the Medininagar Municipal Corporation mayoral election witnessed a striking mix of spectacle, symbolism and social commentary, as most contenders for the coveted post turned out to be wives rather than daughters.
Out of the 13 nominations filed for the mayor’s post, only one candidate was a daughter, young, educated and belonging to Generation Z. The remaining candidates were largely wives, including a widow. One burqa-clad woman filed her nomination just hours before the February 4 deadline, the final day for submissions.
‘Wives and Daughters’ in a Modern Political Setting
The scene evoked memories of English novelist Elizabeth Gaskell’s unfinished Victorian-era novel Wives and Daughters. Drawing inspiration from the title, The Jharkhand Story Network observed that the nomination process reflected a similar societal pattern—where political representation continues to be routed through familial identities.
As the mayoral seat in Medininagar is reserved for women, the filing of nominations turned into a display of magnificent faces, elaborate appearances and public pageantry. Several women candidates appeared with heavy make-up, perhaps to mask the signs of age, while some—who ordinarily avoid public exposure—were seen walking kilometres, engaging directly with voters in a bid to establish grassroots connectivity.
Opulence, Simplicity and Song
The nomination days also highlighted a visible show of affluence. Colourful pagris, bands and ceremonial processions accompanied many candidates and their supporters. In contrast, a few candidates arrived without pomp or spectacle, relying instead on simplicity as their statement.
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One memorable moment unfolded when a woman candidate, after successfully filing her nomination, emerged from the Returning Officer’s chamber and broke into a melodious song, captivating onlookers with her confident and graceful presence.
Subdued but Visible Muscle Power
Alongside the glamour and celebration, there was also a noticeable presence of muscle power. Though largely restrained, its presence was unmistakable throughout the nomination process, reflecting the underlying power dynamics often associated with local body elections.
Legal Query Raises Eyebrows
Adding to the day’s intrigue, an advocate approached The Jharkhand Story Network correspondent within the Collectorate premises, seeking a journalist’s opinion on whether a second wife could legally file a nomination while the first wife is alive.
Despite being reminded of his own legal standing, the advocate persisted. The correspondent pointed out that under the Hindu Marriage Act, a second marriage during the lifetime of a legally wedded spouse is void, illegal and punishable. The advocate reportedly vowed to pursue the rejection of such a nomination in the Bishrampur Nagar Parishad.