Already on a warring path with JD(U) leadership over position in the party and known for his closeness with former Chief Minister Arjun Munda Gopal Krishna Pater in all likelihood would join the saffron party. Though, date of his formal induction into the BJP has not been finalised yet.
Sources said that Raja Peter, the Tamar MlA, is popularly known with this name, confirmed about the shift. “Final round of talks have taken place and after the results of the parliamentary polls are out he may formally announce his induction,” said a close aide of the leader.
Raja Peter came into limelight after defeating JMM patriarch Shibu Soren from Tamar Assembly constituency and went on becoming Excise Minister in the coalition Government headed by Arjun Munda.
Though, his relation soared with JD-U State leadership and he openly opposed the Jaleshwar Mahto and Khiru Mahto camp. Peter, after being designated as Jharkhand party’s unit chief had to resign on the instruction of JD-U national president Sharad Yadav in February this year.
“After being removed from the post he had developed closer relations with the BJP. He even pitched in at the last moment to help Karia Munda fighting lok Sabha polls on BJP ticket from Khunti. He worked for Karia Munda in Tamar area,” said a BJP leader.
He also hinted that Peter would be fielded by the party from Tamar in the Assembly polls due in November. The move is also understandable as the JD-U has broken alliance with the BJP nationally. Attempts to contact Raja Peter turned futile as his phone was unresponsive. Meanwhile, JD-U general secretary KC Tyagi said that Raja Peter did not play an active role in the party and his departure may not affect the party prospects in Jharkhand.
The JD-U with just two MlAs in the 82 member State Assembly, is struggling to establish itself in Jharkhand and exit of a mass leader having tribal support may even more distressful for the party, said a party leader.