Jharkhand Polls: JMM Accuses EC of Favoring BJP

Opposition Claims Unfair Practices in Election Schedule, No-Fly Zones

Key Points:

• JMM alleges EC bias, questions selective no-fly zone implementations

• Opposition suggests poll phases designed to benefit PM Modi’s rallies

• BJP-led NDA and JMM-led INDIA bloc yet to finalize seat-sharing

RANCHI – As Jharkhand gears up for assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has raised serious allegations against the Election Commission (EC), claiming unfair practices.

JMM central general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya questioned the EC’s commitment to providing a level playing field for all parties. He highlighted discrepancies in the implementation of no-fly zones during campaign visits.

Moreover, Bhattacharya alleged that no-fly zones are promptly declared when BJP star campaigners arrive. However, he claimed similar measures are not taken for opposition party campaigners.

"The EC’s actions raise doubts about its impartiality," Bhattacharya stated during a press conference in Ranchi. "We’re witnessing a concerning pattern of favoritism."

Furthermore, the JMM spokesperson likened the relationship between the EC and BJP to that of "Babli and Bunty," implying collusion. He expressed skepticism about the EC’s intentions and tactics.

In addition, Bhattacharya criticized the decision to conduct Jharkhand elections in two phases. He alleged this schedule was designed to accommodate Prime Minister Modi’s rally schedule.

"There’s a political game behind the two-phase elections," Bhattacharya claimed. "It’s meant to give the Prime Minister more campaign opportunities."

On the other hand, the BJP has not responded to these allegations. The party, along with its NDA allies, is yet to finalize its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming polls.

Meanwhile, the electoral landscape in Jharkhand is shaping up as a direct contest between the JMM-led INDIA bloc and the BJP-led NDA. Both coalitions are still in the process of finalizing their strategies.

However, the JMM remains confident about its prospects. Bhattacharya dismissed Assam Chief Minister and BJP Jharkhand election co-in-charge Himanta Biswa Sarma’s ambitions to win the state.

In contrast to the 2019 elections, where the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance secured 47 seats in the 81-member assembly, the political dynamics have shifted. The BJP has now allied with AJSU and JD-U for the upcoming polls.

The accusations against the EC add a new dimension to the electoral battle, potentially influencing voter perceptions and campaign strategies as Jharkhand approaches this crucial election.