Dhanbad boy JK Bhagat, a former CEO of an MNC, appears to be among the front-runners for the ticket to contest the lok Sabha elections from the Coal capital even as Dadai Dubey, ousted from the Hemant Soren Government, threw a challenge to the Congress leadership to ignore his claim.
Dubey, besides his former Cabinet colleague Mannan Malick, his son Ajay Kumar Dubey, JK Bhagat are in the line of securing party ticket from Dhanbad. Congress State president Sukhdeo Bhagat is also in Delhi to discuss names of party candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections. Dhanbad being coal and industrial belt has considerable influence of trade unions and labour politics. So, sources said that the party is also counting on the candidature of JK Bhagat who has been a local and active in the area. Bhagat has held a top post in a private company and can prove vital considering 45 per cent OBC population of Dhanbad.
Dhanbad comprises six Assembly segments namely Dhanbad, Jharia, Sindri, Nirsa , Chandan Kiari and Bokaro. “He is also well educated and held a high post which may prove better for changing political environment and style of politics in the country. He was indeed the Dhanbad reply of the Aam Aadmi from the Congress platform. But, the final decision has to be taken by party high command,” said a senior party functionary. Bhagat has also served as party as observer and accomplished other tasks and currently is a member of Jharkhand Congress Working Committee.
He had quit the top job in an MNC to join the Congress after a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in 2009. ccording to party sources, the Youth Congress of Dhanbad, the Ansaris who represent a sizable population of minorities, the INTUC leadership under Rajendra Singh and his own OBC Community is supporting his candidature from Dhanbad Parliamentary seat. Singh is known for his bitter rivalry with Dubey. Besides, Dubey’s candidature is also being opposed by the JMM.
Bhagat conceded that he has been in the short list which also has many seniors who have contributed to the party more than him. “In as far as my choice however, of Dhanbad is concerned, I was born in Dhanbad. Having worked in Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune and after having travelled extensively in India as well overseas, when I see the dismal condition of Dhanbad in as far as infrastructure, medical facility, education, employment opportunities and other development indices, I am shocked and given an opportunity would like to bring in the best practices of the developed areas to Dhanbad,” he maintained.
When hinted about his ticket rivals, outspoken Dubey threw a veiled challenge. “When I met BK Hariprasad after being removed from the Cabinet, he told me that the party is considering Dhanbad seat for me. I laughed, said thank you and also informed him that if he wants to give ticket to someone else then he should go ahead. I will see who wins from there,” uttered Dubey expressing his confidence to secure victory.
