Despite a nip in the air with the arrival of winter, the political temperature of Potka of East Singhbhum district is soaring. One of the prominent Assembly seats (ST) of Kolhan, it is set to witness a tough fight with sitting BJP Menaka Sardar facing strong contest from opponents. A total of 12 candidates are in the fray and the polls are scheduled for December 2.
According to sources, Sardar who is facing pinch of internal bickering of the party will face fight from Sanjiv Sardar of JMM, Dukhnimai Sardar of Congress Party and JVM Upender Sardar. Former MlA of Ghatshila Surya Singh Besra is also contesting from Potka. He enjoys good support amongst the tribals and might give a challenge to the sitting MlA. Though Menaka is hopeful to sail through Modi wave but the strong opponents are posing hurdle this time.
In 2014 lok Sabha election, Potka Assembly seat, which comes under Jamshedpur Constituency, witnessed a low performance of saffron party. The margins of BJP candidate, Vidhyut Baran Mahto witnessed a steep fall during the election. JVM achieved lead from the Potka Assembly area.
According to the reports, Menaka Sardar’s popularity graph has also declined over the years and party activists are angry with her. Despite being the sitting MlA it would be tough for her to regain the seat.
In 2005 Assembly elections, Amulya Sardar had defeated arch rival Menaka Sardar with a margin of 13759 votes. While in 2000 Assembly elections, BJP candidate Menaka Sardar trounced JMM candidate Krishna Mardi to win Potka seat. In 2009, Menaka defeated Subodh Sardar of Congress by a margin 17,000 votes. However, in 2014 Assembly elections Menaka is facing challenges from outside and inside the party.
A political activist said that the lack of infrastructure facilities is still a distant dream for the residents of Potka. The sitting MlA has failed to live up to the expectations of the people. Moreover even during diarrhea outbreak the role of local administration was not satisfactory. People might vote for a change this time.
Meanwhile, the candidates in fray are working hard to ensure better booth management. Campaigning has also intensified to woo the voters.
Sources informed that the diffident of JMM might also work in support of Congress candidate. District president Ramesh Hansda was eyeing to bag the party’s ticket. But he was unable to succeed. Though Hansda was keen to contest from Potka where he enjoys good support among locals but in the end he decided to give up.
Meanwhile, a senior functionary of district BJP said that it is true that Menaka is facing challenge but the party is hopeful to sail through.