The buzz around mayoral elections has given ward councillors a real adrenalin rush making them come out of their comfort zone and venture into the arena set for electing next mayor for Ranchi. Although the schedules are yet to be announced councillors have began testing the water to ascertain their chances of winning the race for the coveted position.
The post has been lying vacant since April 2013 as the mayoral elections were rescinded after recovery of money which gave rise to the fear of rigging in the polls. Since then election for a new mayor hit several hurdles including the post of State Election Commissioner going vacant due to superannuation of former commissioner S D Sharma.
Few sitting ward councillors have begun public relations exercise to take the pulse of urban voters and have started ward wise campaign to impress voters with their views on development. Even as the State Election Commission is working out schedules for election ripple effect of the buzz can be felt on social media. A section of the social media savvy urban populace seems to be gung-ho about a young candidate quite evident with the number of likes on the posts made in favour of the candidate.
“I have visited as many as 12 wards to convey my position to voters in respective wards. My supporters have taken the debate on social media and the likes and comments over slogans on my name have boosted my confidence,” said councilor of ward-28, Ashok Kumar Baraik.
However, the news of elections has divided councilors into groups, each lobbying with the other group for candidate backed by it. According to sources, a group of ward councilors are busy evolving consensus over a single candidate backed by all ward councilors and few meetings have been conducted to arrive at a common name. “I have support of few ward councilors and they are helping me in public relations exercise. I have covered almost all municipal wards. I am second to none in the race,” maintained Ajit Oraon, councilor of ward-45.
Meanwhile, verification of around 900 booths has been completed and a report on the booths has been submitted to the office of the DC-cum-DEO. The office also published draft electoral roll to seek objections on the draft roll to seek objections.