SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, April 28: A Mukhiya candidate for the Panchayat election delivered a baby within a half-hour after filing her nomination.
This unusual incident happened in the Baghmara block of Dhanbad, around 30 km away from district headquarters on Wednesday.
Kunti Kumari (30), a Mukhiya candidate of Ranguni Panchayat under Bhaghmara block had come to the block circle office for filing her nomination along with family members and supporters. As she joined the line, she complained of labour pain.
Even though over a dozen other candidates were there to file nomination papers before Kunti Kumari, the election authorities got her nomination document filed without further delay after seeing her condition.
Later, Kunti was immediately admitted to the nearby private hospital where she delivered a baby just within the half-hour.
Sadhan Mahto, the husband of Kunti Kumari, said that both mother and infant were healthy after normal delivery. The doctor said she would be released today from the hospital.
“After delivery, she announced in the evening that she would enter the poll campaign in three days. Though we suggested she skip the election, she is too rigid to stay in the fray. Ranguni Panchayat in Baghmara block is reserved for women. The election in the Baghmara block is scheduled for the second phase on May 19.
Kunti’s family members said owing to her condition (pregnancy), they had suggested she should not contest the poll but she did not listen. Now, they believe the arrival of ‘Laxmi’ (girl child) before the election is a lucky cue.
