The Congress has decided to extend its full support to the JMM candidates contesting by-elections in Gomia and Silli constituencies. The decision has come a day after the party participated in a united Opposition meeting called by JMM executive president and leader of Opposition Hemant Soren.
Making declaration about the support, Congress State president Ajoy Kumar said that defeating the BJP topped the priority for all. “We had already accepted the leadership of Hemant Soren in Jharkhand for Assembly elections. Here at Gomia and Silli, the JMM has had its sitting MlAs. Their demand was genuine. After they made it clear we apprised it to our high command and after getting approval from there we have decided to lend full support to the JMM candidates on both the places,” said the PCC chief on Thursday.
He also added that chief of the election campaign committee Subodh Kant Sahay would form a team of leaders to do electioneering during the bye poll going to take on place on May 28. In all probability wives of both the disqualified legislators would be named as candidates but Congress legislative Party leader Alamgir Alam maintained secrecy.
“It is the prerogative of the JMM to name its candidates. The Congress workers and leaders would work wholeheartedly to make sure their wins. It only holds importance for us. This is good to see that a coalition against the failed Government is coming into shape well in time,” said Alam.
Earlier, all the major political outfits in the State had announced coming together to counter the NDA in power in the form of BJP-AJSU combine. The task is getting easier with cracks having developed between the partners.
The State BJP core committee and election committee sat on Thursday under the leadership of Chief Minister Raghubar Das. Senior party leaders such as State BJP president laxman Gilua, Union Minister Jayant Sinha, MP Ravindra Rai, Arjun Munda and others participated in the consultations.
“We have already vacated Silli for AJSU party and requested them to do the same at Gomia for us like the previous occasion. It is now up to the AJSU to take a call. As far as BJP is concerned we have started consultation for Gomia with our party workers.
“Five odd names are there including of ex-MlA Madhav lal Singh. The final decision would be taken by the high command,” said Gilua.
The twin bye elections have brought BJP and AJSU face to face since the later went on announcing lambodar Mahto as candidate from Gomia besides party chief Sudesh Mahto from Silli.
BJP stretching full length to the AJSU leadership for withdrawal could not bear any fruit and now fight between the partners over Gomia is clearly looking on the cards.