The underlying calm among all political parties during President’s Rule has suddenly given way to restlessness as they begin rallying round their candidates. Favourites for now, candidates too have not missed the opportunity to make the most of this. Stalwarts accompanying candidates filing papers is testimony to the fact.
Antu Tirkey, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-backed candidate was accompanied by senior party leader Supriyo Bhattacharya and others while filing his nomination for the Mayor’s post. Tirkey is also city president of JMM.
Expressing support, JMM spokesperson Vinod Pandey said, “Even though he is not contesting on the party’s symbol, we will provide support if need arises. But it will be on a personal level.”
Tirkey was selected by the City Committee of the JMM and his name was approved by party’s Central Committee, according to sources.
Another mayoral candidate, Sanjay Kumar Toppo, backed by JVM, also filed his nomination in the presence of district party officials. They expressed their unconditional support to the candidate and are likely to call a meeting to decide on future action.
However, party spokesperson Saroj Singh attempted to downplay any support, saying, “No instruction has been issued by the party supremo on providing support to the mayoral candidate. We have left this to the party district unit.”
Incumbent Ranchi Mayor Rama Khalkho, who recently joined the Congress, is also optimistic about drawing her party’s support. According to Khalkho, senior party leaders have extended their support to her and she is hopeful that party workers will too.
She also mentioned that the State Congress president had spoken about her nomination — which she will file on March 18 — and that she has requested his presence on nomination day.