by Jai Sinha
Dumri (Bokaro): The Dumri constituency is gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely contested assembly election, with political parties ramping up their strategies to secure victory.
The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), under the leadership of Jairam Mahto, has announced its first list of candidates, which includes six hopefuls. Mahto himself will contest from Dumri, accompanied by Rohit Kumar Das (Jamua), Motilal Sarkar (Rajmahal), Dayamantri Munda (Tamar), Prem Mardi (Saraikela), and Preeti Raj (Chhatarpur). Mahto aims to field candidates in over 60 constituencies statewide, marking a significant push for his party.
Currently, the Dumri seat is held by Baby Devi of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a party that has traditionally dominated the constituency. Baby Devi’s late husband, Jagarnath Mahto, a former minister in the Hemant Soren cabinet, has left a lasting legacy in the region. However, Jairam Mahto’s entry could complicate JMM’s stronghold, particularly following recent by-election results that saw Baby Devi claim victory.
In the 2019 assembly elections, the split campaigns of the BJP and AJSU inadvertently benefitted the JMM, but this year’s dynamics could shift under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), potentially favoring AJSU.
The Dumri constituency encompasses the Chandrapura and Nawadih blocks of Bokaro and the Dumri block of Giridih. AJSU is actively searching for a strong candidate after previously fielding Yashoda Devi, who was unable to secure a win. With Jagarnath Mahto’s influence still palpable, AJSU is considering potential candidates capable of galvanizing support.
AJSU leaders have been busy conducting meetings in the area to strategize for the upcoming elections, with recent additions to their ranks, including notable figures from other parties such as Lakhan Prasad Mahato and Duryodhan Mahato.
Jairam Mahto’s political influence was evident during the Lok Sabha elections, and his decision to run from Dumri has raised concerns among his opponents. Known for his dynamic political approach, reminiscent of the late Jagarnath Mahto, he is emerging as a formidable contender.
As the election date nears and candidates are officially declared, the political landscape in Dumri is set to crystallize, revealing the key players in this high-stakes electoral battle.
