The bugle for the municipal elections has been sounded in the Steel City. The nomination process begins today, Thursday, January 29, for the elections scheduled for February 23. With this, the city’s political temperature has reached a fever pitch.
The elections for the Mango Municipal Corporation and the Jugsalai Municipal Council are set to be historic and high-profile for several reasons. For some, it marks the end of a decades-long wait; for others, it is a high-stakes battle for family prestige.
Mango: A Show of Strength for the Mayor’s Seat
Excitement is at an all-time high in Mango as the Municipal Corporation prepares for its first-ever election. The most discussed name for the Mayor’s post is Sudha Gupta, wife of State Minister Banna Gupta.
However, her path to victory appears challenging. Opposition parties and influential families have mounted a strong offensive:
- Political Dynasties: Kumkum Srivastava, wife of former BJP District President Rajkumar Srivastava, has entered the fray, making it a direct contest.
- Business Influence: The entry of Jyoti Singh (wife of prominent businessman Avinash Singh Raja) and Babita Singh (wife of Neeraj Singh) suggests a potential triangular battle.
- The Intellectual Frontier: Former MGM doctor Dr. Vinita Sahay has added an intellectual dimension to the race. Other strong contenders include Jeba Khan, Chanchal Sharma, and Neelam Devi.
Jugsalai: Public to Elect Government After 40 Years
In Jugsalai, the electoral bugle has sounded after a four-decade (40-year) hiatus. For the post of Chairperson, Dolly Mallick, wife of JMM leader Mannan Mallick, is a prominent face.
She faces stiff competition from Naushin Khan (associated with the Minority Commission) and Prabha Jaiswal, both of whom are campaigning with full force. The presence of Pooja Rai and Balbir Kaur has turned this into a multi-cornered contest.
Behind-the-Scenes Politics and Party Silence
While nominations begin today, major parties like the BJP and JD(U) have yet to reveal their official candidates. This silence has created anxiety among many independent and party-backed hopefuls.
While Minister Banna Gupta is openly building momentum for his wife, many opposition faces are still waiting for an official “symbol” or the blessing of their top leadership.
Public outreach has intensified in the lanes of Jugsalai and Mango. For the citizens, this election is nothing short of a festival as they finally get to choose their local government after a long wait.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Municipal Area | Primary Post | Key Candidates | Notable Fact |
| Mango Municipal Corp. | Mayor | Sudha Gupta, Kumkum Srivastava, Dr. Vinita Sahay | First-ever election held here. |
| Jugsalai Municipal Council | Chairperson | Dolly Mallick, Naushin Khan, Prabha Jaiswal | Elections held after 40 years. |
