DHANBAD, March 18 -- A new chapter in Dhanbad's civic governance began on Wednesday as the newly elected Mayor Sanjeev Singh and 55 ward councillors took oath, formally stepping into their roles amid a sense of anticipation and political buzz.

The ceremony, held at the collectorate auditorium, was administered by deputy commissioner and district election officer Aditya Ranjan. One by one, the councillors joined the Mayor in taking the oath, signalling the official start of the municipal body's functioning.

But the real suspense of the day unfolded soon after.

For days, conversations around the deputy Mayor election had been gaining momentum - marked by quiet strategy meetings, late-night discussions and visible lobbying. There was spec...