Sun Feb 22 12:15:35 UTC 2026: # Jharkhand Gears Up for Crucial Urban Local Body Elections

The Story:

Preparations are complete for the Jharkhand municipal elections scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026. Over 43.43 lakh voters are eligible to participate in electing representatives to 48 urban local bodies (ULBs), including the city of Ranchi. Polling will take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. under tight security. The State Election Commission (SEC) has dispatched polling parties, ensuring they reach their respective destinations. Counting of votes is scheduled for February 27, 2026.

The elections will fill positions for mayor, chairperson, and councillor across 1,042 wards in nine municipal corporations, 20 nagar parishads, and 19 nagar panchayats. While there are 1,087 wards in total, elections are only being held in 1,042 due to unopposed candidates, vacancies, and a cancellation in one ward. A significant number of candidates are contesting, including 562 for mayor and chairperson posts and 5,562 for ward councillor positions.

Key Points:

  • Jharkhand to hold elections for 48 ULBs on February 23, 2026.
  • Over 43.43 lakh voters are eligible to vote.
  • Elections will be held for 1,042 wards.
  • Counting of votes scheduled for February 27, 2026.
  • ULB polls are not contested on party symbols, but candidates are backed by political outfits.
  • 4,307 polling booths have been set up, with 896 identified as hyper-sensitive and 2,445 as sensitive.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Jharkhand municipal elections represent a significant democratic exercise, engaging a large electorate in choosing local representatives.
  • The high number of candidates vying for positions indicates a strong interest in local governance.
  • The security measures highlight the importance of ensuring a peaceful and fair election process.
  • The fact that candidates are backed, but not directly representing political parties, may suggest a focus on local issues over broader political agendas.

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