Early Morning Rush at Polling Booths
Jamshedpur: Voters across Jharkhand turned out in large numbers on Monday as polling began for the 2026 municipal elections. People started arriving at polling booths early in the morning to cast their ballots, reflecting strong enthusiasm for the local body polls.
Union Minister Sanjay Seth Casts Vote
Union Minister of State Sanjay Seth cast his vote along with his family and encouraged citizens to participate actively in the democratic process.
Speaking about the turnout, he said the state has witnessed tremendous enthusiasm since morning as citizens step out to elect their third tier of government. He expressed confidence that voter participation would surpass previous records.
Citizens Stress Importance of Civic Participation
Voters highlighted the importance of participating in the elections. One resident said they came early to vote despite work commitments at a Central government office, stressing the need for a well-functioning municipal corporation that ensures cleanliness and efficient urban management.
Jitender Chaudhary, who became the first voter in his ward, urged fellow citizens to exercise their franchise. He appealed to people to vote first before attending to other activities and to choose candidates committed to community welfare, better schools, improved roads, proper drainage, and overall safety.
Over 43 Lakh Voters Eligible
Officials confirmed that more than 43.43 lakh voters, including over 21 lakh women, are eligible to participate in the elections. The polls cover nine municipal corporations, 20 nagar parishads, and 19 nagar panchayats across the state.
Tight Security, 4,300+ Polling Booths
Authorities began polling at 7 a.m. and will continue it until 5 p.m. They deployed tight security arrangements and set up more than 4,300 polling booths. Officials identified several booths as sensitive or hyper-sensitive to ensure smooth and orderly voting.
Key Step Toward Stronger Local Governance
The municipal elections mark a significant step toward strengthening local governance, improving urban administration, and enhancing civic amenities across Jharkhand. Election authorities have appealed to citizens to maintain peace and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process throughout the day.
