CPI(ML)-Liberation Advocates India Bloc Unity in Jharkhand Elections

The CPI(ML)-Liberation has called for a united approach among INDIA bloc constituents, including JMM, Congress, Left, and RJD, in the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections to counter BJP. General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya highlighted the challenges posed by BJP's attempts to break party unity in Santhal and Kolhan divisions.

The CPI(ML)-Liberation on Thursday emphasized the need for a 'reasonable' seat-sharing formula among the JMM, Congress, Left, and RJD, members of the INDIA bloc, for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections to thwart the BJP from gaining power.

General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya accused the saffron party of trying to disrupt the unity of INDIA bloc partners, especially in Santhal and Kolhan divisions, following its loss in five tribal seats there.

"The recent merger of the Marxist Coordination Committee (MCC) with the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation will bolster the INDIA alliance in Jharkhand. The alliance's major players—JMM, Congress, Left, and RJD—can engage in productive discussions to achieve a fair seat-sharing arrangement. We are committed to this process," he stated in Ranchi.

The regional Left party MCC formally joined the CPI(ML)-L on Monday.

Bhattacharya pointed out that while the INDIA bloc performed well in Santhal and Kolhan regions in the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP maintains a strong presence in north Chotanagpur.

"The BJP is attempting to undermine unity in Kolhan and Santhal Pargana. We must counter their conspiracy while also fortifying our presence in north Chotanagpur," he said.

The CPI(ML)-L expressed confidence that the INDIA bloc would reclaim power in Jharkhand.

Bhattacharya also raised alarm over frequent visits by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, criticizing his hate speech and its impact on Jharkhand's social harmony.

Sarma, BJP's election co-in-charge in Jharkhand, has been accused of propagating divisive rhetoric around concepts like 'flood jihad' and 'vegetable jihad.' Bhattacharya warned that similar tactics in Jharkhand could jeopardize national unity.

(With inputs from agencies.)