Former MLAs Join JMM as BJP Faces Internal Turmoil Ahead of Assembly Elections
Key Points:
• Multiple BJP leaders switch to JMM over dissatisfaction with candidate selection
• BJP nominated several turncoats from other parties for upcoming polls
• Assembly elections scheduled for November 13 and 20, results on November 23
RANCHI – Several prominent BJP leaders in Jharkhand, including former legislators, have defected to JMM citing disappointment over ticket distribution.
The departure of seasoned party members has created ripples within BJP’s ranks.
Moreover, former MLAs Lois Marandi, Kunal Sarangi, and Lakshman Tudu have joined the opposition JMM.
Meanwhile, three-term legislator Kedar Hazra switched allegiance to the ruling party last week.
Furthermore, local leaders expressed concern over BJP favoring newcomers from other parties.
In contrast, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma downplayed the internal dissent.
However, a senior party insider revealed that more than half of the 66 declared candidates were from other parties.
On the other hand, former minister Lois Marandi expressed anguish over leaving BJP after 24 years of service.
Additionally, Kunal Sarangi cited lack of communication from party leadership as his reason for departure.
Meanwhile, Ganesh Mahali and BJP ST Morcha leader Basco Besra also switched to JMM.
Furthermore, the ruling JMM-led alliance had secured 47 seats in the 2019 elections.
