With Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) disclosing name of the party chief Babulal Marandi as candidate for Dumka lok Sabha constituency politics of Jharkhand is on the verge of taking a fresh turn.
The political battle would be not only the most interesting in the political history of the State but also possess the potential to decide fate of at least Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), especially its supremo Shibu Soren. Moreover Soren’s candidature from Dumka, heart of tribal homeland Santhal Paragana, was unambiguous and on the cards, the last moment decision of the JVM seems more a tactical one. Party sources in the JVM say that the step would not only infuse renewed blood of enthusiasm among the workers but also send out a clear and strong signal among the people of the State.
“Earlier Babulal Marandi had made up his mind not to contest into this lok Sabha and focus on the State only. Though, he was under acute pressure to contest from party workers. lastly the party made him to succumb after much thought,” said Praveen Singh, JVM general secretary. Though, Marandi is more interested into State politics for days to come and especially when Assembly polls are due this November only, the decision is to take bull by its horn.
“The JMM is a disgruntled lot at the moment with host of senior leaders who have been faces of the party are leaving it or sulking. Shibu Soren though on his last legs he is still the lighthouse of the party who claims as the only savior of tribal cause. It is the right time when mascot of JMM be challenged and that also in its own backyards. Its matter of taking a decisive lead which would set tone for upcoming politics of Jharkhand,” said a top party leader.
Politics of the JMM and the JVM has been on the same lines and based on tribal voters from the State. Politics pundits are of the view that loss of one is gain of the other. Slowly but surely the later is eating up the earlier. JVM also knows fully well that if it has to excel in the State, it reached up to 11 Assembly seats since its formation in 2006, it has to make headway in Santhal Paragana.
“If Marandiji defeats Shibu Soren it would be the last nail in the coffin and at the same time would make the party the potent force in Jharkhand. Thought, the JVM does not aspire much into national politics but defeat of Shibu Soren would seal the fate of the JMM and provide us much needed fillip during Assembly elections we are looking forward to,” said one of the party’s legislative body member.
However, the fight would not be cakewalk for the JVM chief as the seven-time MP from Dumka Shibu Soren has not lost the seat since 1989 by winning five parliamentary elections consecutively. “It is not a matter of concern for us as Guruji is a formidable force at Dumka. There is no alternative of JMM in Jharkhand,” said JMM general secretary Suprio Bhattacharya.