Voters in Jharkhand turned out in force for Monday’s urban body polls, achieving 61.83% by 5 PM across 48 entities. Saraikela Panchayat in Saraikela-Kharsawan led triumphantly with 75.35%, dwarfing Ranchi Corporation’s 43.28%.
State poll chief Alka Tiwari noted potential increases in final stats. Top small-town performers: Basukinath (74.18% in Dumka), Bundu (74% in Ranchi), Chakulia (72.90% in East Singhbhum), proving compact areas fuel higher engagement.
Bigger bodies faltered: Giridih Corporation at 60% headed the list, Medininagar 57.41%, Deoghar 52.92%, Dhanbad 48%, Bokaro’s Chas 49.76%, Hazaribagh 49.9%. Chatra Parishad excelled at 68%, Sahibganj at 57.58%; others solid at 60%+.
From 4,307 booths, momentum built: 10.50% at 9 AM opening, 23.23% by 11, 37.44% by lunch, 50.61% by 3 PM, culminating at 61.83%. Analysts view this as positive for urban polls, spotlighting the vibrancy of tier-2 and tier-3 towns amid metropolitan indifference.