Ranchi: Candidates, who are contesting for the post of Ranchi mayor and ward councillor posts, are turning to customised poll jingles to woo the electorate. As campaigning for the Feb 23 elections to the Ranchi Municipal Corporation gradually peaks in the state capital, localities are coming alive with the jingles being played from vehicles which are doing rounds from morning till late in the evening.In almost every ward, voters are being greeted by catchy tunes interspersed with slogans, candidate’s names, and poll symbols. Supporters said the musical format helps simplify campaign messaging. “A jingle stays in the minds of the people. In a crowded election with many candidates, recall value is very important. We are using creative methods to reach out while adhering to the permitted campaign hours,” said ward 11 councillor candidate Aliya Raza.
Ward 18 candidate Somvit Majhi also adopted the musical route, with a specially produced campaign track outlining his focus areas and symbol. In the same ward, candidate Sablu Munda’s team is similarly using loudspeaker-fitted vehicles to circulate his messages through residential pockets and market stretches.Meanwhile, in Ward 1, candidate Nakul Tirkey’s campaign vehicles can be heard playing repeated jingles as they move across colonies and main roads, reflecting how musical promotions have become a common strategy cutting across wards and party lines.However, the intensified soundscape has drawn mixed reactions from residents. In neighbourhoods such as Lalpur, Morabadi, Harmu, and Bariatu, locals say multiple campaign vehicles often pass through the same stretch within short intervals. “At times, two or three different jingles overlap. It creates confusion and constant noise,” said Sangeeta Verma, a resident.Shopkeepers in markets say the atmosphere feels festive but occasionally chaotic. “There is energy in the air, which is good for business. But when several vehicles gather at a junction, traffic slows down,” said Suresh, a trader near Main Road.Meanwhile, the timing has coincided with ongoing school and college examinations, prompting concerns over noise disturbances. Several parents and students appealed for restraint, saying prolonged loudspeaker use near campuses is affecting concentration and creating avoidable stress for students during a crucial academic period.
