AJSU and BJP Gear Up for High-Stakes Jharkhand Elections

The All Jharkhand Students Union announced eight candidates for the Jharkhand elections set for November 13 and 20, with Sudesh Kumar Mahto contesting from Silli. Meanwhile, the BJP revealed 66 candidates, including former Jharkhand Chief Ministers. The BJP is contesting in alliance with AJSU, JD-U, and LJP.

The All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) has revealed its initial list of eight candidates for the forthcoming Jharkhand elections, scheduled in two phases on November 13 and 20. Key contender and party supremo Sudesh Kumar Mahto will be running for the seat in Silli, as disclosed in the October 20 press release.

Included in the release were the seven other candidates representing different constituencies: Sunita Choudhary for Ramgarh, Neeru Shanti Bhagat for Lohardargah, Lambodar Mahto for Gomiya, Ramchandra Sahis for Jugsalai, Nirmal Mahto for Mandu, Harelal Mahto for Ichagarh, and Ajhar Aslam for Pakud.

In a related development on October 19, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) revealed its first list of 66 contenders as the incumbent JMM-led coalition finalized their seat-sharing agreement. The BJP lineup features former Jharkhand Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Babulal Marandi, both of whom are significant figures in the party's campaign strategy.

Expressing optimism about the BJP's prospects, Champai Soren, who will contest from the Saraikella assembly constituency, stated, "BJP's performance will be the best, and our government will be formed. We are fully prepared. Whatever work the BJP gives me, I will do that," he told ANI.

Babulal Marandi will campaign from Dhanwar, while Lobin Hembrom is running in Borio and Sita Soren in Jamtara. Additionally, Geeta Balmuchu will stand in Chaibasa and Geeta Koda in Jagannathpur. In Potka, Meera Munda, the wife of Union Minister Arjun Munda, will represent the BJP.

The BJP is contesting 68 seats in alliance with AJSU, JD-U, and LJP. AJSU will compete for 10 seats, JD-U for two, and LJP for one, in the 81-seat Jharkhand assembly elections being conducted in two stages.

(With inputs from agencies.)