Voting for mayor-chairperson and ward councillors in 48 municipal bodies across Jharkhand ended at 5 p.m. on Monday, marked by sporadic violence and allegations of irregularities. The State Election Commission is yet to release final voter turnout figures, but initial estimates suggest a participation rate between 45% and 60% statewide.
Polling commenced at 7 a.m. in nine municipal corporations and other local bodies, with 4,304 polling stations set up. Prominent figures like Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren were seen casting their votes in Ranchi, among others. However, the process was marred by incidents such as clashes, unrest, and allegations of fraudulent activities.
Various disturbances were reported during the voting process, including clashes between police and candidate supporters, incidents of fraudulent voting leading to detentions, scuffles between rival supporters, and even violence that led to disruptions in certain areas. Despite these challenges, the voting concluded, sealing the fate of numerous candidates vying for different positions.
