Jharkhand’s municipal elections pulsed with energy on Monday, registering 61.83% turnout by evening in 48 urban bodies. Saraikela-Kharsawan’s Saraikela Nagar Panchayat stole the show at 75.35%, contrasting sharply with Ranchi’s 43.28% dip.
Commissioner Alka Tiwari anticipates upward revisions in final tallies. High performers included Basukinath (Dumka) at 74.18%, Bundu (Ranchi) at 74%, and Chakulia (East Singhbhum) at 72.90%, highlighting enthusiasm in smaller municipalities.
Urban giants underperformed: Medininagar 57.41%, Deoghar 52.92%, Dhanbad 48%, Chas 49.76%, Hazaribagh 49.9%. Giridih led municipal corporations at 60%. In Nagar Parishads, Chatra topped 68%, Sahibganj bottomed at 57.58%, with others averaging 60%+.
Over 4,307 polling stations buzzed from dawn. Turnout climbed steadily: 10.50% (9 AM), 23.23% (11 AM), 37.44% (1 PM), 50.61% (3 PM), peaking at 61.83% (5 PM). This robust figure signals maturing urban democracy, even as big cities lag, pointing to targeted outreach needs ahead.