In a pointed critique on social media platform X, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) lambasted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for favoring outsiders over loyal party workers in the allocation of election tickets. The JMM’s statement implied that dedicated BJP supporters were left with mere flags and bags while those outside the party were prioritized for nominations.
Highlighting Babulal Marandi, the BJP’s state president, the JMM asserted that he is among those who do not truly belong to the party. Marandi’s political history supports this claim: after leaving the BJP to form the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM), he merged his party back with the BJP in 2020. The JMM pointed to this trajectory to label him a defector and included his name in a list of 36 candidates they allege are outsiders.
In a surprising twist, several BJP leaders, feeling sidelined after being denied tickets, have opted to join the JMM. Prominent figures like former minister Louis Marandi, Laxman Tudu, and Ganesh Mahli—who previously contested against Champai Soren—are among those making the switch. Kunal Sarangi, a former BJP spokesperson and MLA from Baharagora, has also announced his decision to align with the JMM.
In response to the JMM’s claims, Babulal Marandi stated, “The BJP is committed to bringing development to Jharkhand, and my focus is solely on winning the Dhanwar seat.”
The BJP, on the other hand, released its first list of 66 candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, featuring Marandi from Dhanwar, Champai Soren from Saraikela, and Sita Soren from Jamtara. Champai Soren, now with the BJP, remarked, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my constituents again, and I look forward to working for the people of Jharkhand.”
As the political landscape shifts, the implications of these developments will be closely monitored in the lead-up to the elections.
