Ranchi, February 9 The BJP's Jharkhand unit accused the JMM-led government on Monday of attempting to influence the upcoming civic elections by circulating reports about providing a Rs 20,000 business loan to beneficiaries of the Maiyan Samman Yojana, allegedly in violation of the election model code of conduct.
A three-member BJP delegation, led by party legal cell head Sudhir Kumar, lodged a complaint with the state election commission (SEC) over the alleged announcement, terming it a violation of the poll code.
The Jharkhand Congress, a constituent in the JMM-led government, dismissed the BJP's complaint as baseless.
"Major newspapers in Jharkhand on February 8, 2026, prominently reported that a Rs 20,000 loan for business would be provided to beneficiaries of the Maiyan Samman Yojana. This news was published at the behest of the government with the intention of influencing the Jharkhand civic elections," Kumar claimed.
He added, "This is a violation of the model code of conduct. We have demanded an investigation by the commission and identification of the official who circulated this information. An FIR should be registered against the concerned official."
The SEC announced the election model code of conduct for the civic polls in 48 urban local bodies on January 27.
Elections to 48 urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state are scheduled to be held on February 23, and votes will be counted on February 27.
Reacting to the BJP's complaint, Jharkhand Congress media in-charge Rakesh Sinha said, "The government has not made any official statement or announcement in this regard. The BJP is demanding action based on newspaper articles, which is ridiculous. The complaint is baseless."
The state's urban local body elections are not contested with the election symbols of political parties, although candidates are backed by the parties.
In Ranchi, the Congress has supported former mayor Rama Khalkho, while the BJP has backed Roshni Khalkho for the post. The JMM has yet to formally announce the candidate it supports in Ranchi.
A total of 375 candidates are contesting in the Ranchi civic polls, including 11 contesting for the mayoral post and 364 for the councillor posts in 53 wards.
After the distribution of poll symbols on Saturday, the candidates started their campaigns to woo voters.