THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Feb 4: With nominations picking up for the February 23 civic body elections, the Palamu administration has intensified preparations by deploying Flying Squad Teams (FSTs) and Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) across the district.
The Medininagar Municipal Corporation mayoral election is expected to witness a sharp political contest and internal differences within major parties, including the BJP, JMM, and Congress.
The BJP faces the biggest challenge, with rebel candidates emerging against party-supported nominee Aruna Shankar, approved by both the state and district BJP units. She faces two rivals — the spouse of former deputy mayor Mangal Singh and the wife of veteran BJP leader Parshuram Ojha, both from prominent BJP households.
JMM, Congress in Separate Races
The JMM has extended support to Poonam Singh, with senior leaders including district president Rajinder Sinha and Sannu Siddiqui present during her nomination filing.
The Congress-backed candidate is Namrata Tripathy, daughter of senior leader K N Tripathi, and the youngest among the candidates who filed nominations till February 3.
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Election Preparedness in Full Swing
Preparations for polling in 103 wards and the mayoral post are progressing rapidly. Training of sector magistrates has been completed, and vulnerability mapping of polling booths is underway.
Under the directions of Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer (Municipality) Sameera S, the administration has deployed 10 Static Surveillance Teams, 7 Flying Squad Teams, and 33 sector magistrates to oversee elections in five urban local bodies.
Border Areas Under Special Watch
Given Palamu’s long and porous border with Bihar, special vigilance has been enforced, particularly in Harihurganj, which will hold nagar panchayat elections for the first time.
Static surveillance teams have also been positioned on the Hussainabad–Haidernagar road due to its proximity to Bihar.
Of the seven flying squads, three will operate within Medininagar Municipal Corporation limits, while one each will be deployed in Bishrampur Nagar Parishad, Chhatarpur Nagar Panchayat, Harihurganj Nagar Panchayat, and Hussainabad Nagar Panchayat.
