(From L-R) Hemant Soren’s party, the JMM, released a detailed list of candidates fielded by the BJP in the state assembly polls, accusing them of being turncoats, including prominent figures like Babulal Marandi and Champai Soren.

Jharkhand elections: Hemant Soren's party accuses BJP of favouring defectors

Taking a jab on social media platform X, the JMM remarked that loyal BJP workers were left carrying flags and bags while outsiders swooped in to secure party tickets.

by · India Today

In Short

  • 35 of 66 BJP candidates labelled as 'turncoats' by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha
  • JMM criticises BJP for sidelining loyal workers for outsiders
  • BJP's candidate list includes former Jharkhand CM Babulal Marandi

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has launched a sharp attack on the BJP, just days after the latter released its candidate list for the upcoming state Assembly elections. The JMM has accused the BJP of prioritising defectors over loyal party members in its selection process.

According to the JMM, 35 out of the 66 candidates fielded by the BJP are individuals who switched parties, labelling them as "turncoats".

Taking a jab on social media platform X, the JMM remarked that loyal BJP workers were left carrying flags and bags while outsiders swooped in to secure party tickets. The party also released a detailed list, which notably included Babulal Marandi, BJP’s state president, who the JMM claimed is an outsider.

Babulal Marandi had previously left the BJP to form his own party, the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM), before merging it back with the BJP in 2020. The JMM used this as a basis to accuse Marandi of being among the defectors.

Along with Marandi, the JMM released the names of 35 other candidates they claim are outsiders.

In a twist, several BJP leaders who were denied tickets are now joining the JMM in hopes of contesting the elections. This includes prominent figures like former minister Louis Marandi, Laxman Tudu, and Ganesh Mahli, who had contested against Champai Soren from Seraikela. Kunal Sarangi, a former BJP spokesperson and MLA from Baharagora, has also switched to the JMM.

The BJP on Saturday released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly election. Former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) turncoats Champai Soren and Sita Soren are among the 66 candidates named by the party.

As per the list, Babulal Marandi will contest polls from Dhanwar seat, while Champai Soren is set to represent Saraikela. Sita Soren has been fielded from Jamtara.