BJP faces setbacks as leaders defect to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha

Ex-minister Louis Marandi joins JMM after BJP denies her Dumka ticket, triggering defection.

Key Points:

– Former minister Louis Marandi joins JMM, unhappy over BJP ticket.

– Ganesh Mahli and Kunal Sarangi also defect to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.

– BJP’s Dumka seat given to Sunil Soren, sparking leadership discontent.

RANCHI – Defections began after BJP announced its candidate list for the upcoming Jharkhand elections, with several leaders switching parties.

Former minister Louis Marandi, upset over BJP’s choice of Sunil Soren for the Dumka seat, joined Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) at the Chief Minister’s residence on Kanke Road.

Alongside Marandi, BJP leaders Ganesh Mahli and Kunal Sarangi also moved to JMM, escalating concerns within the party.

Marandi, who served in the previous Raghubar Das government, reportedly left due to discontent with BJP’s leadership decisions.

Her defection is seen as a significant blow, especially given her influence in Dumka, a crucial constituency.

Meanwhile, these moves signal a potential reshuffle in political alliances ahead of Jharkhand’s assembly elections.