Former Minister and senior JVM leader Joba Manji on Monday switched to the JMM alongwith her supporters. Manji considered a strong tribal leader is among the host of leaders who have left the Babulal Marandi-led party to go either to the BJP or the JMM’s way as the Assembly poll nears.

“She joined the party along with her supporters in the presence of party chief Shibu Soren at his residence. Several other senior leaders are also in line to join us in near future,” said JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya.

On the hindsight, JVM is left as a dejected lot having faced a series of defections in recent times. As many as six of its sitting MlAs have left it to join the other parties. Though, the party is presenting a brave face.

“We have adopted a strategy to not to stop anyone who are willing to go. Such people would create more problems to the party if they are stopped,” said JVM general secretary Praveen Singh. Nevertheless sources in the party said that there is a sense of insecurity prevailing within the party following the recent incidents.

“The JVM has softened its stand towards the BJP. We have got offers to merge the JVM into the BJP which is not possible and has been conveyed to the party bosses. But we are open to an alliance. If any such offer comes, it may be discussed in the party’s working committee meeting,” said a senior party leader.

The Babulal Marandi headed party has also been in talks with Congress for an alliance while it has received an offer for merger from none other than party national vice president Rahul Gandhi’s level.

“We have made it clear to the Congress that it has to leave the JMM before having understanding of any kind with us. The alliance would also have to come up with a face which cannot be the likes of Hemant Soren,” said Praveen Singh. The JVM is also in the process of regrouping and willing to fight “strongly” as many as 47 seats during the year-end polls.