BJP Faces Internal Challenges in Chaibasa as Elections Loom

Ahead of the Jharkhand assembly elections, BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed internal disputes over candidate selection in Chaibasa, ensuring party unity. Meanwhile, the Election Commission intensifies efforts to curb election inducements. Elections are set for November with over 2.60 crore eligible voters in Jharkhand.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP's co-in-charge of Jharkhand polls, convened a meeting to address internal discord concerning the party's candidate in the Chaibasa constituency. Sarma met with BJP workers disgruntled by the selection of Geeta Balmuchu for the forthcoming assembly elections.

Following discussions, Sarma assured reporters of the party's unity, stating, 'They are not upset... They will all work together.' Chaibasa, reserved for the Scheduled Tribes, is set for a showdown between BJP's Balmuchu and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's incumbent MLA Deepak Birua.

Additionally, Sarma expressed robust confidence in the BJP's electoral prospects in Jharkhand, asserting, 'Our party is in a very strong position... We will fight the elections well, aiming to win all Chaibasa seats.' Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Chaibasa on November 4 to further bolster the campaign.

Concurrently, the Election Commission has intensified efforts to stem the flow of inducements such as cash, liquor, and precious metals into poll-bound states, with a total of Rs 345 crores seized to date. This surpasses the total 2019 election seizures in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

Jharkhand's assembly elections for 81 seats are slated for November 13 and November 20, with results tabulated on November 23. Over 2.60 crore voters are eligible to participate, including a significant number of first-time and young voters.

In the last assembly election, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha secured 30 seats, while BJP and Congress won 25 and 16 seats, respectively. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)