Ranchi Municipal Corporation Election Campaign Concludes with High-Energy Finale
The high-decibel campaign for the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) elections officially drew to a close on Saturday evening, marking the end of a frenetic period of political outreach across the city. Candidates vying for the prestigious post of mayor and 53 ward councillor positions pulled out all the stops in the final hours, organizing spirited roadshows, extensive padyatras, and intensive door-to-door campaigns to capture voter attention.
Silence Period Enforced and Liquor Sales Suspended
With the mandatory 48-hour silence period taking effect from 5 PM on Saturday, all public meetings, rallies, and campaign activities have been strictly prohibited. This regulatory measure is designed to ensure a calm and impartial environment ahead of the crucial polling day. In a further step to guarantee free and fair elections, authorities have ordered the closure of all liquor shops across Ranchi district from Saturday through Tuesday.
Final Day Showcases Political Strength and Outreach
The concluding day of the campaign witnessed a dramatic display of political mobilization. A particularly notable event was a large-scale motorcycle rally held in support of mayoral candidate Roshni Khalkho, which drew significant crowds and media coverage. The rally was attended by several prominent political figures, including former chief minister Arjun Munda, Union minister Sanjay Seth, and Ranchi MLA C P Singh.
"We have centered our campaign entirely on pressing civic issues and a vision for comprehensive development. Ultimately, we trust in the discernment and wisdom of the electorate to make the right choice," stated Roshni Khalkho, encapsulating the campaign's focus.
Other key mayoral contenders, including Congress-backed Rama Khalkho and JMM-supported Sujeet Vijay Anand Kujur, also concluded their electoral efforts with final roadshows, public meetings, and targeted ward-level engagements earlier in the day.
Ward-Level Candidates Emphasize Local Civic Concerns
At the grassroots level, candidates for the 53 ward councillor posts intensified their last-minute outreach. Many, like Ward 18 candidate Somvit Majhi, concluded with final rounds of door-to-door canvassing. Others, including Ward 45’s Naseem Gaddi, Ward 42’s Krishna Mahato, and Ward 10’s Arjun Kumar Yadav, organized small neighborhood meetings and padyatras throughout Saturday.
"Our campaign dialogue consistently revolved around fundamental civic problems—improving drainage systems, repairing roads, and ensuring reliable water supply. The decision now rests with the citizens," explained Krishna Mahato, highlighting the local focus of the ward-level contests.
Electoral Landscape and Counting Schedule
The electoral field is notably competitive, with eleven candidates officially in the race for the mayor's position and a total of 167 aspirants contesting for the 53 ward councillor seats. This substantial number of contenders underscores the high stakes and vibrant democratic participation in the urban local body elections. The fate of all candidates will be determined when the votes are counted on February 27, setting the stage for the next administrative leadership of Ranchi.
