Heavyweights have finally begun throwing their hats in the mayoral elections 2013. Incumbent Mayor Rama Khalkho, Ajay Tirkey, lokesh Khalkho and Arun John Prawal were among those who filed nominations on Monday. Rama Khalkho is backed by the Congress party and lokesh Khalkho by Janta Dal (United).
After filing nomination, Khalkho said "party leaders have vowed to support me in the elections." However, Khalkho is not sure whether senior leaders would campaign for him.
The incumbent mayor was accompanied by representatives of Ranchi MP Subodh Kant Sahay and other leaders of the Congress party.
Another mayoral candidate, lokesh Khalkho also filed nomination amid fanfare. Talking about competition, lokesh said "I believe Rama Khalkho is the strongest competitor, but I shall win the election."
However, lokesh is keeping his fingers crossed until the date for withdrawal expires. "I am waiting for the final list of candidates, that will give a clear picture," said lokesh. The future course of action will be decided once the final list is declared, added lokesh.
Prawal said another dimension to the polls was that the elections would be a triangular contest in which the other two contestants apart from him would be Rama Khalkho and Ajay Tirkey.
"I have been active in Bank Officer's Association and my family is the oldest Christian family in Ranchi so people are acquainted with me. That should help me," said Prawal.
Varsha Gari, Shiv Kumar Kacchap, Chintamani Tirkey and Ajay Tirkey also filed their nomination on Monday.