Open Violation of Non-Partisan Local Body Elections: JMM's Party Declaration Sparks Political Storm
Ranchi: Serious allegations have been leveled against the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) regarding the local body elections being held on a non-partisan basis in Jharkhand. In a complaint sent to the State Election Commissioner, the BJP has alleged that the JMM has disregarded the clear orders of the government and the Election Commission and has engaged in partisan politics.
According to the complaint, on January 20, 2026, the JMM's Deoghar district president, using the party's official letterhead and election symbol (bow and arrow), announced the name of Ravi Kumar Raut as the party's candidate for the post of Mayor of Deoghar Municipal Corporation. This was despite the State Election Commission issuing a notification on January 27, 2026, clearly stating that the local body elections would be non-partisan.
The complaint describes this action as a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct. It also alleges that this is contrary to the government's assurance that the elections would be non-partisan. The BJP has demanded immediate and strict action against district president Sanjay Kumar Sharma and candidate Ravi Kumar Raut.
