After the unexpected debacle of AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto in the Assembly elections, the regional outfit is not like to wield its hard bargaining power, which it used to exercise during the Government formation in the past.
“As the party chief has already lost his seat, they are not in a position of bargaining. Mahto, however, could definitely be put in a comfortable and respectable position, if he so desires,” said a senior state BJP leader requesting anonymity. “But at the same time, we have at least three independents and a handful of MlAs from other parties, who were ready to extend unconditional support to us,” added the leader.
According to the leader, AJSU MlAs also understand that they again have to go to the people for mandate after five years. “Hence there are fair chances that no nuisance will be created on their side. Moreover, they must have understood by now that they got these five seats out of the pre-poll alliance formed in the state or they would also have been washed out like the other regional parties like JD (U) and RJD from the State,” he added.
Another BJP leader, not willing to be named, also asserted that the central leadership was looking forward to increase its strength in the Rajya Sabha for which it was also exploring the possibilities of increasing support of MlAs in Jharkhand Assembly. “Just wait for three more months, we are likely to cross the support of 54 MlAs in the Assembly paving way for two more Rajya Sabha MPs get elected from Jharkhand,” he added.
AJSU, on the other hand, is struggling hard to get identified with the BJP and is in favour of deciding the ministry after sitting together with the central leadership of both the parties. “Everything regarding the government will be decided at the central level of the BJP sitting together with our leader Sudesh Mahto,” said AJSU spokesperson Deosharan Bhagat.
Referring to Mahto losing his seat of Silli, considered to be his stronghold, Bhagat said that the captain of the team might have been bowled out, but the team as a whole has definitely won the match emerging a stronger team than before where several other regional teams were washed out in the tournament. The credit of winning however will always go to the captain leading the team, he added.
Bhagat further added that that the legislative party leader will soon be elected among the party MlAs and the agenda over which the party went to the polls will be pushed in the Assembly for their implementation. Everything related to the ministry will be decided sitting together with the BJP leaders in a respectable way, said Bhagat.