Mail News Service
Ranchi, March 6: Following the election of the Ranchi Municipal Corporation’s Mayor, political activity has intensified as parties vie for the deputy mayoral position. All major parties were actively courting councilors to secure support for the upcoming election.
On Friday, BJP-backed Mayor Roshni Khalkho invited all 53 councilors to Manya Palace in Morabadi. Mayor Khalkho stated that the meeting aimed to discuss the corporation’s future action plan and strengthen coordination with councilors. Ahead of Holi, she had also sent sweets and abir to councilors’ homes. Political observers viewed these gestures as part of a strategy to consolidate support ahead of the deputy mayoral election.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has stepped up its efforts. Former MP Subodhkant Sahay and former minister Bandhu Tirkey were working to unite Congress-backed councilors. Reports suggested that Congress currently supported around two dozen councilors in the Ranchi Municipal Corporation and could strengthen its position by gaining support from eight to ten more councilors.
The deputy mayor election would take place after the mayor and councilors were sworn in on March 19. A candidate required at least 27 of the 53 councilors’ votes to win, making this the key number all parties were targeting.
Front-runners from various parties
JMM: Ehtesham (Ward 21, re-elected) is considered the frontrunner. Mohammed Aslam (Ward 22,- 5,226 votes) and first-time councilor Aarti Kumari (Ward 46) are also strong contenders.
Congress: Jameela Khatoon (Ward 49, second term), Asha Gupta (Ward 18, third term), and Mohammed Salahuddin (Ward 17) are actively seeking the position. Asha Gupta notably defeated JMM-backed Rajya Sabha MP Somvit Maji.
BJP: Sunil Yadav, alias Mama (Ward 20, third term), Nakul Tirkey (Ward 1), Pradeep Kumar (Ward 26), and Paramjit Singh (Ward 44) are among the party’s potential candidates.
Strategic focus on councilor support
The election outcome would heavily depend on councilor alliances. Parties were working to keep their own members united while attempting to gain additional support from other councilors. Political analysts suggested that cross-voting could make the race highly competitive, keeping all eyes on the magic number of 27 votes.
