by Chandan Pal/ Ashok Kumar
Dhanbad: The Congress party’s Jan Samvad Abhiyan Lakshya program took place in Shyamdih, located in the Baghmara assembly constituency of Dhanbad district, with former Union Minister Subodhkant Sahay serving as the chief guest. The event saw a gathering of candidates and their supporters, all vying for representation in the upcoming assembly elections.
Tensions escalated during the program as a disagreement over sloganeering erupted between supporters of former MLA Jaleshwar Mahato and Congress leader Rohit Yadav. The dispute quickly turned physical, resulting in kicks and punches being exchanged in front of the former Union Minister.
As Jharkhand prepares for the announcement of assembly elections, political parties are ramping up their efforts. The Congress party aims to foster unity through the Jan Samvad Lakshya program, which is intended to identify and support strong candidates. However, the presence of numerous claimants for the party ticket has complicated candidate selection, leading to internal discord.
The altercation at the event has raised concerns about the Congress’s readiness for the 2024 assembly elections, highlighting factionalism within the party. The clash among supporters has underscored existing tensions and dissatisfaction among party members.
In response to the situation, former Union Minister Sahay expressed optimism about the party’s prospects, stating, “This time, Congress workers are full of enthusiasm. Wherever we contest, we will win.” He also criticized the BJP’s Gogo Didi scheme during his remarks.
Rohit Yadav, a contender for the Congress ticket from Bagmara, affirmed his commitment to Jaleshwar Mahato, saying, “This time the elder brother will work for the younger brother. We will convince him.” Yadav highlighted the Congress party’s struggles in the Bagmara constituency, having lost the seat in the last five elections. He pledged that if awarded the ticket, he would work to eradicate local crime within six months of taking office.
As the party navigates these challenges, the path to the assembly elections appears fraught with both internal strife and a determination to unite and strengthen its candidate base.
