BJP may field 4 ex-CMs, top leaders in Jharkhand
After anticipating a drubbing in Haryana Assembly polls, the BJP leadership is leaving nothing to chance in Jharkhand and Maharashtra state polls to be held this year-end. It is contemplating fielding at least four former CMs and senior leaders in the Assembly to win the polls. Former CM Arjun Munda, recent entrant former CM Champai Soren and veteran leader Babulal Marandi and former CM and current Odisha governor Raghubar Das may be fielded in the assembly polls. Alternatively, someone from his family may be brought in. The names of Union Woman and Child welfare Minister Annapurna Devi, and BJP's national secretary and former ST morcha chief, and Rajya Sabha MP Samir Oraon are also being mentioned in this regard. A final decision on Annapurna Devi is yet to be taken.
The BJP leadership moved with alacrity in Jharkhand to seal the deal with its NDA allies including JD (U) and Sudesh Mahato-led All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU). Another ally, LJP of Chirag Paswan is also insisting on a couple of seats. But the BJP seems unwilling. The seat-sharing formula is likely to be announced anytime. It may be mentioned that Union Agriculture and Food Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Assam CM Hemant Biswa Sarma, Incharge and co-incharge of Jharkhand election, have traveled to the state more than 15 times since June 17 to put BJP's best foot forward. In 2019, the BJP faced a serious setback when it contested the assembly polls alone and ended up winning only 25 out of 81 seats. The BJP may contest 68-71 seats leaving the rest for its allies. The ruling JMM, Congress, RJD, CPI, CPM and others are also finalizing seat-sharing deals.
