Bihar poll outcomes may have been hailed as spring for ‘Opposition parties’ countrywide but in Jharkhand the dream is far from becoming a reality. Despite all the efforts from Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) the Babulal Marandi-led Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) has gone ahead in making a formal announcement of walking alone.
The party, which has already gone vigorously for the bypoll at lohardaga, is showing no sign of distraction even after the spectacular performance of Mahagathbandan or Grand Alliance against mighty looking BJP-led NDA in Bihar. Its supremo Babulal Marandi is camping in the constituency, holding public meetings there while his party named formally Bandhu Tirkey as its candidate. Tirkey even bought nomination paper on the first day on Thursday and would file it on November 23 .The Election Commission issued notification for the bye-poll on Thursday.
“We have already named Bandhu Tirkey as our candidate for lohardaga seat. The party is no mood to reconsider its decision now. Marandi ji is in the constituency even today,” said Santosh Kumar, the JVM’s youth wing president. Sense within the party is that coming together in the lines of Bihar would have been a noble start in Jharkhand but for the single seat.
“What is the need of a grand alliance when just one Assembly seat is on offerIJ We can think of it for bigger polls ahead. As of now, the JVM is going to contest lohardaga by-poll for sure,” said party general secretary and legislative body leader Pradeep Yadav.
The stand is despite the fact that Congress’ State president who is also party’s official candidate from the seat had walked down extra miles and approached Marandi for his support at the constituency. The national party also tried for unification during Rajya Sabha polls. Although the effort failed in melting the JVM but has brought respite for it in the form of the JMM’s stand.
“Our party cadres are willing to contest election at lohardaga but looking at political situation and ground reality we have to think over it differently. There is no denying that coming together at this time could have been a sound start for unity ahead. lohardaga by-poll has presented an opportunity for a positive beginning.
We are going to decide probably by November 22 as Guruji (Shibu Soren) is out,” said party general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya dropping sufficient hints about backing the Congress.
The Election Commission has fixed November 26 last date for filing nomination for the December 14 poll for which the AJSU-BJP combine has already named Niru Shanti Bhagat; newly wed wife of jailed ex-MlA Kamal Kishore Bhagat after his disqualification from the Assembly.
Congress on the hindsight is still desperate for the unified present and hopeful about it till the end. “Our high command is in touch with Babulal Marandi and we are expecting for a positive outcome. It is indeed an opportunity for Opposition coming together. But if anyone just wants to upset us and puncture our prospects then what can be done. They should understand our strong presence at lohardaga when we lost just by 500-odd votes twice,” said Jharkhand Congress general secretary Alok Kumar Dubey.
JPCC president Sukhdeo Bhagat has been party’s candidate from the seat since 2005 Assembly polls. After winning the inaugural bout, Bhagat has lost two consecutive polls though with narrow margins.