Clean water, basic infra in focus as candidates file nominations

Ranchi: The process of filing nomination papers for the upcoming Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) gathered momentum on Monday as candidates for the post of ward councillors and mayor raced against time to complete the formalities.

The nomination window for candidates is set to close on Wednesday.


Political activities also picked up pace outside the nomination centres as candidates arrived with their respective entourage and musical instruments. The swelling numbers led to frequent traffic congestions on Kutchery Chowk and its linking roads.

Ranchi district administration set up separate nomination counters to manage the rush. While ward councillor nominations were accepted at Block A of the collectorate, candidates contesting the mayoral post filed their papers at Block B.

In a statement late on Monday evening, the district administration said 94 candidates filed their nomination papers for contesting across 53 wards of the RMC. “So far, five nomination papers have been sold for the post of mayor but a single nomination is yet to be filed,” the statement read.

Ward 18 councillor candidate Sablu Munda reached the nomination centre after offering prayers at the Chadri Akhara Puja Sthal, accompanied by hundreds of supporters amid drumbeats and traditional music. Addressing supporters later, Munda alleged neglect of the ward’s residents. “People of Ward 18 feel cheated. Even today, basic civic facilities remain out of reach. If elected, I will ensure that residents are no longer deprived of essential services,” he said.

Candidates from other wards also raised local civic issues. Sabita Kujur, a contestant from Ward 36, highlighted water scarcity in Girija Toli of Pundag. “This is a semi-rural area and has been consistently sidelined. Residents face an acute drinking water problem, which needs immediate attention,” she said, adding that development remained uneven across the ward.

Supporters holding party flags and banners crowded the nomination premises, prompting authorities to deploy additional personnel to maintain order. Traffic police were pressed into service to regulate vehicular movement as congestion built up during peak hours.

Election officials said the nomination process was proceeding smoothly and urged candidates and supporters to adhere to guidelines to avoid inconvenience to the public.