Polling Staff Spend Night on School Benches Amid Poor Arrangements in Ranchi Civic Elections

Ranchi, February 23, 2026: As voting for the municipal elections commenced across Jharkhand, reports of inadequate facilities for polling personnel surfaced from several centres in the state capital, Ranchi. While the administration claimed comprehensive arrangements, ground realities at some locations told a different story.

Polling teams had reached their designated booths the previous night to ensure timely conduct of voting. However, many personnel alleged that basic amenities such as bedding, clean drinking water, and food arrangements were either insufficient or entirely absent.

Night Spent on School Benches

At the Government Hindi Middle School in Tharpakhna (Ward No. 18), polling staff and security personnel reportedly faced severe inconvenience. According to officials deployed at the centre, mattresses and blankets were not provided, forcing them to sleep on classroom benches.

Mosquito infestation and the lack of potable water further compounded their discomfort. One polling staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We had to spend the entire night on school benches. Basic facilities were missing.”

Struggle for Food and Drinking Water

Beyond accommodation issues, polling personnel at several centres struggled to arrange meals. With no hotels or eateries operating nearby, many were compelled to purchase biscuits and packaged snacks from local grocery stores.

Concerns were also raised over the quality of available drinking water. Several officials reportedly bought bottled water at their own expense to avoid health risks.

Women-Managed Booths at Morabadi

At the Red Cross Centre in Morabadi, seven booths are being managed entirely by women polling staff. Despite reaching the dispatch centre around 6 am with enthusiasm, the women officials were reportedly disappointed by the lack of proper arrangements. Nevertheless, they took initiative to organize the booths themselves and ensured that voting preparations were completed on time.

Statewide Polling Underway

Voting is being conducted in 48 urban local bodies across Jharkhand today. The results are scheduled to be declared on February 27.

While the democratic process continues smoothly, the reported hardships faced by polling personnel have raised questions about administrative preparedness and the need for better logistical planning in future elections.