Ranchi/New Delhi – Counting is officially underway for Jharkhand’s 48 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). After a highly anticipated election on February 23, the state is set to finalize its urban leadership for the first time since 2018.
The Election at a Glance
The public showed strong interest in local governance this year, with a significant turnout from women voters.
- Voter Turnout: ~62%
- Total Bodies: 48 (9 Corporations, 20 Councils, 19 Nagar Panchayats)
- Key Statistic: Over 21 lakh women voted, highlighting a major shift in urban engagement.
Counting Day: What You Need to Know
Officials began the process at 8:00 AM today across 25 district headquarters.
- Security: Heavy police presence is deployed at all venues to prevent unrest.
- Process: Results are being tallied for both Ward Councillors (White Ballots) and Mayors/Chairmen (Pink Ballots).
- Early Trends: Initial leads are expected to emerge by mid-day.
The Numbers Behind the Ballot
Despite not using official party symbols, the competition remains fierce with thousands of candidates in the fray.
| Contestant Type | Total Candidates | Women Candidates |
| Mayor / Chairman | 562 | 235 |
| Ward Councillors | 5,562 | 2,727 |
Note: Out of 1,087 total wards, 41 councillors have already been elected unopposed.
Regional Highlights
- Deoghar: Counting is split between Deoghar and Madhupur centers.
- Mango Municipal Corp: Polling in one ward was cancelled following the death of a candidate.
- Vacancies: Three wards received no nominations and remain vacant.
The Big Picture: These elections are a litmus test for local political outfits, as many candidates are unofficially backed by major parties.
