Ranchi Mayoral Election Symbols Officially Allotted, Campaigning Enters High Gear
The political landscape in Ranchi was formally set on Friday as election symbols were allocated to candidates vying for the city's mayoral position, with polling scheduled for February 23. District election officials confirmed that a total of 11 candidates received their respective symbols, officially kicking off a period of high-pitched campaigning across the urban center.
Key Candidates and Their Assigned Symbols
In a development that has drawn significant public attention, Rama Khalko, who is backed by an alliance of the Congress party and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was allotted the bench as her election symbol. Conversely, Roshni Khalko, supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), received the biscuit symbol. These allocations are seen as crucial for voter recognition and campaign messaging in the densely populated electoral battleground.
The roster of other mayoral candidates and their symbols includes:
- Kiran Kumari – Air conditioner
- Devi Dayal Munda – Stick
- Praveen Kachhap – Bangles
- Vinod Kumar Badaik – Torch
- Sujata Kashyap – Box
- Sujit Vijay Anand Kujur – Bricks
- Sumankant Tigga – Bucket
- Surendra Linda – Camera
- Sonu Khalkho – Carpet
Transparent Allocation Process Confirmed by Officials
A district election official, speaking on the completion of the symbol allocation process, emphasized its transparency and orderliness. "As per the directions of the State Election Commission, the allocation of election symbols to mayoral and ward candidates was conducted in a transparent and orderly manner in the presence of the returning officers," the official stated. This procedural adherence aims to ensure fairness and build public trust in the electoral framework ahead of the critical municipal vote.
Symbolism and Campaign Messaging Take Center Stage
Following the receipt of her symbol, Rama Khalko immediately engaged with voters, articulating the deeper meaning behind the bench. "The bench symbol represents education, justice, equality and community unity. It mirrors my commitment to inclusive development and transparent governance in Ranchi," she proclaimed. This strategic framing highlights how candidates are leveraging their symbols to convey core political values and connect with the electorate on substantive issues.
Campaign Intensity Ramps Up Across the City
With the election symbols now finalized, political activity has surged dramatically throughout Ranchi. Candidates are expected to significantly escalate their outreach efforts, focusing on:
- Door-to-door canvassing to engage directly with residents
- Ward-level meetings to address localized concerns and priorities
- Public interactions and rallies to amplify their campaign messages
The Ranchi mayoral contest has decisively entered its final campaign phase, with all contenders mobilizing their resources and teams to secure voter support. The allocation of symbols not only provides visual identifiers for the ballot but also sets the stage for a competitive and closely watched election that will shape the city's administrative future.
