Jharkhand Poll Gambit: 35 Candidates In BJP’s List Were Once Opponents!

Assembly elections are fast approaching in Jharkhand, with polling dates already announced. All parties have ramped up their preparations, aiming for victory across the 81 constituencies. The BJP has declared candidates for 66 out of these 81 seats, including Babulal Marandi for Dhanwar and former Chief Minister Champai Soren for Seraikela.

Interestingly, both leaders switched sides from Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (now part of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) to join the BJP. A closer look at the BJP candidate list reveals that out of 66 names, 35 candidates were formerly affiliated with other parties before joining BJP-a common trend in politics.

JMM has criticised the BJP for this, labeling the candidates as "defectors." Sharing a list of 35 names, JMM pointed out their previous party affiliations, questioning the BJP's leadership. Of the 66 candidates announced so far, a notable chunk had political histories with multiple parties before joining the BJP.

In a strategic move, BJP has announced key candidates for crucial constituencies. Sita Soren, the elder daughter-in-law of former Jharkhand CM Shibu Soren, will contest from Jamtara, while former Union Minister Arjun Munda's wife, Meera Munda, has been fielded from the Potka reserved seat.

Meanwhile, Raghubar Das's daughter-in-law, Purnima Das Sahu, is set to contest from Jamshedpur East, and Champai Soren's son, Babulal Soren, has been nominated for the Ghatshila reserved seat.

The BJP is also giving Lok Sabha losers another chance, reusing its political assets. Geeta Koda, who lost Singhbhum in the Lok Sabha race, will now contest from Jagannathpur. Similarly, Sita Soren, who failed in the Dumka Lok Sabha elections, will contest Jamtara.

Voting will be held in two phases in Jharkhand, with the first phase on November 13 and the second on November 20. Counting is scheduled for November 23.