Ranchi/Dhanbad: Ahead of the civic body elections scheduled for Feb 23, Shivratri celebrations on Sunday saw a blend of faith and politics in both Ranchi and Dhanbad, as mayoral and ward candidates visited temples, joined processions, and interacted with devotees while seeking blessings — and public support — amid the festive crowds.RMC mayoral candidate Roshni Khalkho, who is backed by the BJP in the civic polls, visited Shivpuri Temple in Hinoo, Tapovan Mandir, and Latma Shiv Mandir on Sunday. “Today I visited many temples in the city to seek blessings from Mahadev for the upcoming polls,” Roshni said on Sunday.
Congress-backed mayoral candidate Rama Khalkho also attended the Shiv Baraat procession at Pahadi Mandir. “During the visit, along with the residents, I had the opportunity to meet chief minister Hemant Soren ji and we discussed some issues related to the polls, although for a very brief time. I prayed for the development of not only Ranchi but Jharkhand as a whole,” Rama said.Ward 33 councillor candidate Kumud Kumari told TOI that she too visited many temples in her ward on Sunday. “It was a good opportunity to interact with the devotees to discuss local issues, exchange ideas, and offer prayers,” Kumud added.In Dhanbad’s Vinod Nagar, mayoral candidate Ravi Chaudhary joined a Shiv Baraat procession in the evening.Walking with the devotees, he greeted participants and sought votes, engaging in brief conversations with residents gathered along the route. Similar scenes were witnessed at various temples throughout the day, where candidates made frequent visits to maximise public contact. At the Hirapur Shiv Temple, priest Umakant Pandey said, “A huge number of devotees visited since morning, with women forming the majority. All are offering water to Lord Shiva and praying for the fulfilment of their wishes.” Pandey added, “Busy temples provide an opportunity to meet many voters at once, which is why several candidates are visiting here.”
