Blinking first the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has put in a demand of at least 41 seats in the ‘grand alliance’ ahead of Assembly polls in Jharkhand. The demand can be considered fairly reasonable which can also be a ‘problem of plenty’ for the beleaguered Congress.
“We also want the grand alliance to continue in Jharkhand for Assembly elections. If it materialises then the JMM would be seeking at least 41 out of 81 seats,” said Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM general secretary. He, at the same time, also made it clear that the alliance would have no space for arch rival JVM. Pertinent to mention here is that the Congress had tried to broker a deal with Babulal Marandi’s party by bringing both the ‘political foes’ on a single platform.
JMM’s wish has come on a day when the Congress’ election committee met for the first time to scrutinise names of its candidates for all the 81 Assembly seats. Though the meeting that also saw AICC general secretary and in-charge of the party in the State BK Hariprasad and secretary Suraj Hegde attending, reviewed the names. A relatively slimmer list would further be taken to the ‘screening committee’, slated to meet in September.
While Congress leaders also looked comfortable with the alliance formula but unwilling to jump the gun. “I can only say at this stage that the alliance with the JMM would continue. Decision on the number of seats to be fought is to be taken at the highest level,” said BK Hariprasad after the meeting. Hundreds of ticket hopefuls gathered at the party office with their supporters.
It is said four to six names are figuring against one seat and the election committee took into consideration winnability of candidates, presence in the field and political activities.
Pradesh Congress Committee president Sukhdeo Bhagat also hinted for the alliance. “At present we are preparing on all the seats. If any alliance happens our workers would go by that.” Sources in the party said that the Congress would have no problem with the number of seats on offer nevertheless some issue may be on the choice of it. “The party is looking to hold meeting with all the coalition partners soon which would finalise claims and counter claims. Any true shape would emerge only after that,” said a member of the election committee.
The alliance presently has RJD and TMC apart from the Congress and JMM and chances are that few other smaller outfits may be added into it to fight the resurgent BJP.