Champai Soren and Sudesh Mahto Meet BJP Leaders in Delhi

Former JMM leader and AJSU supremo discuss seat sharing for upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections

Champai Soren and Sudesh Mahto arrive in Delhi to meet BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, for seat-sharing talks ahead of Jharkhand elections.

NEW DELHI – Former JMM leader Champai Soren and AJSU Party chief Sudesh Mahto have traveled to Delhi to discuss seat-sharing arrangements with BJP leaders for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections.

Champai Soren, the former Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader, has arrived in Delhi for a two-day visit.

He is expected to meet with senior BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Sources close to Champai reveal that the purpose of his visit is to negotiate seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand.

The former chief minister has reportedly put forward two demands to join the BJP: the Chief Minister’s position and the implementation of the 1932 domicile policy in the state.

When questioned by the media, Champai remained cryptic about his meeting with Amit Shah, stating, "I’m here for a few days. You all will know very soon."

Sudesh Mahto, the AJSU Party supremo and former Deputy Chief Minister, has also met with top BJP leaders to discuss seat-sharing for the 2024 assembly elections.

Sources within the AJSU suggest that Mahto may demand up to 30 seats for his party.

However, BJP sources indicate that only six seats might be offered to the AJSU.

Mahto, speaking to the media after meeting BJP leaders, refrained from disclosing the number of seats his party would contest.

He emphasized, "AJSU is part of the NDA. It does not matter how many seats AJSU will be contesting on. Since we are contesting together, we will be responsible for all 81 seats."

When asked about Champai Soren, Mahto commented, "Champai Da is a very senior leader. If he joins the NDA, his guidance will always matter."

In the 2014 elections, the AJSU contested eight seats, while in 2019, they decided to run independently.

The outcome of these meetings could potentially reshape political alliances in Jharkhand ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.