Former JVM lok Sabha MP from Jamshedpur Ajoy Kumar formally joined the Congress on Friday. He was inducted into the party by PCC president Sukhdeo Bhagat along with several of his supporters.
Ajoy, a former IPS officer, had won from Jamshedpur in a bye poll on the ticket of Babulal Marandi’s party but lost to the BJP during the last general election.
Welcoming the leader into the party, Bhagat said that the Congress would be boosted by this. “Congress is like an ocean in which all rivers come and merge. The party in Jharkhand would be immensely benefited by the entry of Ajoy Kumar who has a clean image and clear orientation. He has come to the party without any precondition and after getting impressed with the policies of the Congress.”
Talks about his joining the party were already in the air and the formal induction was just a matter of time. Ajoy had sought permission from his parent party about this citing his compulsions to remain in national politics which could not have been possible with a regional outfit like JVM.
Delay on this was only because of Bihar elections.Sources in the JVM said that Ajoy’s going to Congress’ way finalised after talks for grand coalition comprising JMM-Congress-RJD with the Babulal’s party failed. “We have had consultations with Congress but our problem is JMM. Congress cannot leave JMM. So this was inevitable,” said a JVM general secretary.Speaking on the occasion the former MP lauded his new party.
“Congress is the only party which can keep India intact. It can take along people from different walks of life and of all religion, caste and creed. For making a strong country strengthening the Congress is a prerequisite. I would contribute as a dedicated worker of the party and play whatever role is handed over to me,”said Ajoy.