Forming an alliance is a buzz word for political parties except the BJP in Jharkhand. Apart from larger parties such as Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha or Jharkhand Vikas Morcha; the necessity of coming together is also being felt in smaller outfits such as new born in Jharkhand politics the Trinamool Congress and other one-man armies.
It is learnt that the TMC, led by Mandar MlA Bandhu Tirkey in the State, is making a smaller bloc and willing to have a pre-poll understanding with either the JMM-led running alliance or the one headed by Babulal Marandi.
Sources in the JVM revealed that Tirkey, keeping his tribal politics in mind, had contacted the party leadership for forging an alliance which possesses the likes of Madhu Koda, Anosh Ekka and few others. “He is trying to do that and more than willing to be a partner with us. He is particular about his tribal politics that does not bother too much about stain of corruption on Koda and company. But for us it is a problem as the party despite recent blizzards is confident of playing long innings into the politics of the State,” said a JVM general secretary.
Tirkey and Chamra linda who were heading their single Assembly member parties had merged into the TMC ahead of the lok Sabha polls and are trying to keep themselves relevant in the State politics by remaining in the power. The party is presently extending support to the Hemant Soren Government with one eye on exploring possibilities. Keeping in mind the surge of the BJP, fighting united seems the only option for the ‘secular’ camp.
“leaders like Madhu Koda and Anosh Ekka have influence in their respective areas. All such forces have to come combined with the bigger parties or alliance ahead of the polls so that division of secular votes could be stopped. We are exploring all the possibilities available,” said Bandhu Tirkey.
His effort is first to make the bloc stronger and then approach the alliances so that better result can be obtained. This also includes the Sudesh Mahto-led AJSU which is at present looking to have an understanding with the BJP.
“Sudesh is desperate but he likes to go with the winning combination always. He is more interested to bargain with the BJP and a Rajya Sabha MP has also been floated for making the deal done. If this does not happen then he may think over joining the other alliance. Though, he may also wait for the results to come and move towards the party or the coalition nearing to form the Government in the State,” said a close aide of the AJSU supremo.
Nevertheless, animosity between the JMM and the JVM has sufficient gunpowder to rip apart Bandhu’s effort to form a ‘grand alliance’ comprising all those in the anti-BJP encampment.