Seraikela: In a decisive mandate for the “Chhau City,” voters have elected Manoj Kumar Chaudhary as the Chairperson of the Seraikela Nagar Panchayat. Contesting as a JMM-supported candidate, Chaudhary maintained a steady lead throughout the counting at Kashi Sahu College.
The Final Tally
Chaudhary secured victory with a comfortable margin, defeating his closest rival by 449 votes.
- Manoj Kumar Chaudhary (JMM): 1,943 votes (Winner)
- Pratap Aditya Singh Deo: 1,494 votes
- Sanand Kumar Acharya: 1,171 votes
- Sumit Kumar Chaudhary: 1,146 votes
“This is a win for the people,” Chaudhary stated. “I am committed to strengthening Seraikela’s identity as a cultural hub while accelerating civic welfare.”
Profile: A Career of Dedication
Chaudhary’s victory is seen as a reward for years of grassroots activism. His profile includes:
- COVID-19 Relief: Active participation in community service during the pandemic.
- Cultural Leadership: Roles in the Seraikela Chhau Artist Association and Shri Jagannath Mela Committee.
- Civic Engagement: Leadership in the Chamber of Commerce and Shri Kaluram Seva Trust.
The “Rejected Ballot” Factor
A significant trend in the 2026 polls was the high volume of invalid votes, likely due to the return to paper ballots. A total of 673 votes were rejected across 10 wards—a number high enough to influence close contests.
Rejected Votes by Ward:
- Highest: Ward 5 (150 rejected votes)
- Lowest: Ward 1 (32 rejected votes)
- Ward 6: Uncontested election.
