When Will Jharkhand's Municipal Polls for 48 Urban Bodies Take Place?
Synopsis
The Jharkhand Election Commission has officially announced the electoral schedule for 48 urban local bodies after a delay. Voting will occur on February 23, with results revealed on February 27, marking a significant political event.
Key Takeaways
The Jharkhand municipal elections will occur on February 23, 2023.
Vote counting is set for February 27, 2023.
A total of 48 urban local bodies will participate, including nine municipal corporations.
Reservations for marginalized communities will be implemented for the first time.
Voting will be conducted on a non-party basis without the NOTA option.
Ranchi, Jan 27 (NationPress) After an extended wait, the Jharkhand Election Commission revealed the election timeline for 48 urban local bodies in the state on Tuesday. The voting is slated for February 23, with the vote counting set for February 27.
During a press briefing, State Election Commissioner Alka Tiwari shared the news, announcing the immediate implementation of the Model Code of Conduct across all 48 municipal areas.
The electoral process will kick off on February 4 with the submission of nominations, followed by scrutiny of the papers, and February 6 has been designated as the final date for withdrawal.
Election symbols will be allocated on February 7. Voting will occur in a single phase throughout the state from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 23, with results announced on February 27.
The elections will utilize ballot papers and will be conducted on a non-party basis. The commission has clarified that the NOTA option will not be available, obligating voters to select from the candidates running.
These elections will cover 48 urban local bodies, comprising nine municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils, and 19 nagar panchayats, encompassing a total of 1,087 wards.
It's important to note that elections in 13 urban bodies have been pending since 2020, while the other municipal corporations and councils, including Ranchi, have not held elections since 2022.
For the first time, the state has implemented reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and Other Backward Classes across all municipal bodies.
Specifically, the Mayor’s position in Ranchi has been reserved for Scheduled Tribes, while the posts in Dhanbad, Bokaro, and Deoghar will remain unreserved. Additionally, positions in Palamu and Mango are reserved for women. In Hazaribagh, the Mayor's position is designated for Extremely Backward Class-I, in Giridih for Scheduled Castes, and in Adityapur for Scheduled Tribes.
In the municipal councils, the chairperson positions in Garhwa, Chatra, Dumka, Chaibasa, and Kapali will be unreserved, while those in Vishrampur, Pakur, Mihijam, Chirkunda, and Jugsalai have been reserved for women.
Municipal elections in key cities such as Ranchi, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Deoghar are anticipated to draw significant attention across the state.
Point of View
The announcement of Jharkhand's municipal polls is a crucial step towards ensuring democratic participation in urban governance. The inclusion of reservations for marginalized communities reflects a commitment to inclusivity and representation. As we approach the election date, the outcomes could have significant implications for local governance and political dynamics in the state.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Jharkhand municipal elections take place?
The municipal elections in Jharkhand are scheduled for February 23, 2023.
What is the counting date for the votes?
Vote counting will occur on February 27, 2023.
How many urban local bodies are involved?
There are 48 urban local bodies involved in the elections.
Is NOTA available in these elections?
No, the NOTA option will not be available; voters must select from contesting candidates.
What reservations are provided in the elections?
Reservations are provided for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and Other Backward Classes across all municipal bodies.
