With just two more working days left when a probable eying to enter the Rajya Sabha can purchase nomination paper, political parties in the State are still in a fix. While none turned up to the Assemble Secretariat even on Friday seeking the paper, the Opposition would possibly disclose a combined strategy on Saturday.The largest party in the Opposition camp Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has called its legislative body meeting on Saturday that may see a decision on fielding candidate for the lone seat undergoing bypoll on July 2.“The party has called a meeting of all its MlAs on Saturday and their opinion would be sought on the issue. The party has to decide first whether a candidate should be fielded and if yes then choice of the candidate,” said JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya over phone from Kolkata on Friday with little enthusiasm.
The party has 19 MlAs in the House of 82 and if at all it decides to put up a face in the otherwise one-sided contest, it needs unconditional backing of the Congress and some other smaller parties and Independents. “Party is of the view that a candidate should be fielded against the BJP’s nominee irrespective of the outcome. Their challenge should not go unopposed,” said a senior JMM leader.Congress, on the other hand, is also eyeing to its Saturday meeting which is going to be attended by AICC leader and Jharkhand in-charge BK Hariprasad. “He is coming for an organisational meeting slated to take place tomorrow. During that only the matter would come up for deliberation and then if found worthy, we would make a formal consultation with the JMM and other smaller parties. We are quite positive about giving a candidate,” said Pradesh Congress Committee president Sukhdeo Bhagat.The BJP, amid all this, is sitting prettily and looking calm and composed for the ultimate day. Apex decision making body of the party for polls, election committee, is yet to meet. “Discussion has started at party level. State president (Ravindra Rai) has arrived in Ranchi after having consultations with organisational secretary Rajendra Singh and other senior leaders. Any formal decision would be taken by Sunday,” said a top functionary of the party.The BJP backed by mammoth support of its own 43 members and also five of the AJSU is in no hurry. The combined strength would take it well beyond the halfway mark and ensure its nominee an easy sailing. However, it is up against a problem of different kind.
“Due to just about one year stint left for the vacant Rajya Sabha seat, not many are interested to be named. The party has consulted some second rung leaders to become a nominee,” said a party MlA. It is learnt that due to shorter tenure some of those consulted have even declined humbly the request whereas one such leader reportedly put condition for confirm next term as well!