Once thought as having no political allegiance, many mayoral aspirants have off late started knocking at the doors of political parties in order to garner their support for the municipal elections.
Interestingly, such candidates also believe their supporters cut across party lines and that they will come out at opportune moment to demonstrate their support. These purportedly neutral candidates, as a member of various associations anticipate support from the fellow members.
“People know me as someone who works for the society that is why workers of other parties also support me. That should help me in winning the election,” said Ratan Tirkey, a mayoral candidate.
Tirkey, who believes that urban body elections are not fought on party’s banner, has decided to bury hatchet with Bandhu Tirkey and will seek his party’s support in the municipal elections. “I am ready to contest elections with the support of the party but will work for the public once elected for the post of mayor,” added Tirkey.
Another probable for the post of mayor, Arun John Prawal is likely to seek political party’s support to sail through. “I am negotiating with a national political party and they are almost on the verge of conveying their support for me,” said Prawal adding further that in couple of days he will reveal the name of the party.
Meanwhile, unfazed by the support extended by parties to their respective candidates, Durga Munda aka Durga Oraon jumped into the fray sans any political connections and is optimistic about winning the Ranchi mayoral election. “I am a people-backed candidate so am not concerned about any party backed candidate,” said Munda.
The self-propelled candidate hopes to ride the wave of anti-corruption movements initiated in last one and a half year and expect the momentum built on the issue to carry him to the winning post quite comfortably.
“People know my stand on corruption and my intention to eradicate this institutional malaise so I believe that it would be easier for me as win the mayoral election”, said Munda adding, “this is a test of the public also as they are the one who are affected by corruption and I am the one fighting against it.”