Ranchi: The Ranchi Municipal Corporation’s recent anti-encroachment drive turned into a political stress test for civic poll candidates, who faced sharp questions from displaced roadside vendors during door-to-door campaigning in several market areas, especially along the Daily Market area, Station Road, and the Rajendra Chowk–Birsa Chowk stretch.Vendors who were recently removed said they demanded clarity from candidates before pledging support. “When candidates come to ask for votes, we ask them where we should go. Our families depend on daily earnings. Without rehabilitation or a vending zone, how will we survive?” Narayan Kujur, a fruit vendor from Doranda, said.Former Ward 42 councillor and contestant this time, Krishna Mahto, said the issue complicated campaigning in market pockets. “Candidates are being directly questioned. Vendors are asking for written assurance of designated vending zones before eviction. Without rehabilitation, enforcement appears harsh,” he said.Congress-backed mayoral candidate Rama Khalkho said urban planning must balance order with inclusion. “A clean and planned capital should not ignore those dependent on informal trade. Inclusive development means ensuring no section is left out,” she said.Ward 9 candidate Fatima Hassan said the issue became central in her campaign interactions. “Every visit to market areas brings the same concern,” she said.With polling nearing, vendors emerged as an influential voter bloc, forcing candidates to go beyond routine civic promises and articulate a clear position on rehabilitation, turning street-level displacement into a decisive electoral question.Polling is scheduled for Feb 23 and counting for Feb 27, with 53 wards, 11 mayoral candidates, and 167 ward councillor contenders in the fray.
