by Ashis Sinha
Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren, leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has announced his plan to “box in” the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections, which will cover all 81 seats in the state. Soren highlighted that the JMM is committed not just as a political entity but as a steadfast champion for the rights of Dalits and Adivasis in Jharkhand.
His statements were made during a press conference marking the induction of BJP MLA Kedar Hazra and former AJSU MLA Umakant Rajak into the JMM. Hazra, currently representing Jamua, has faced uncertainty regarding his candidacy after the recent transition of former Congress candidate Manju Devi to the BJP.
In contrast, Rajak joined the JMM after determining that the BJP was likely to nominate Amar Kumar Bauri for his former constituency, Chandankiyari. With Rajak’s alignment with the JMM, he is anticipated to receive the party’s nomination for the seat.
Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has unveiled its seat-sharing arrangement for the assembly elections. The BJP will contest 68 seats, while its allies will cover the remaining constituencies. The All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) will field candidates in 10 seats, including Silli, Ramgarh, Gomia, Pakur, Manoharpur, Lohardaga, Jugsalai, Mandu, Dumri, and Ichagarh. Additionally, the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) will contest in Jamshedpur West and Tamar, while the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) will field a candidate in Chatra.
This strategic alliance aims to fortify the NDA’s presence in Jharkhand as election preparations ramp up. Further developments and campaign strategies are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
