Rajya Sabha Poll

JMM decides to contest both seats after Congress names candidate

Surendra Soren

Ranchi

Tensions have escalated within the ruling alliance in Jharkhand over the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, after the Congress unilaterally announced its candidate, prompting a strong response from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

Late Thursday evening, the Congress declared Pranav Jha—an advisor to the party’s national president—as its candidate for one of the two Rajya Sabha seats from the state. The move reportedly came without the consent of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, triggering discontent within the alliance.

In response, Chief Minister Hemant Soren convened an emergency meeting of JMM legislators on Friday morning. During the meeting, the party resolved to field its own candidates on both Rajya Sabha seats. The names of the candidates are expected to be announced by the Chief Minister himself.

Sources indicate that the Congress’ decision to announce its candidate ahead of consensus may be part of a strategy to exert pressure on JMM. Notably, the Chief Minister had earlier conveyed that a final decision on seat-sharing would be taken on June 5. Despite this, the Congress went ahead with its announcement on Thursday.

Following the development, JMM leaders moved swiftly, contacting all party legislators late at night to ensure full attendance at the emergency meeting. After the meeting, Minister Hafizul Hasan stated, “JMM has decided that the party will contest both Rajya Sabha seats.”

The development has exposed internal differences within the INDIA bloc in Jharkhand, which was otherwise considered to be in a strong position to secure both seats based on its numerical strength in the Assembly.

With both parties now staking claim, the contest for candidate selection has turned into a high-stakes political tussle, even as the alliance still holds the numbers required to win both seats.

The Rajya Sabha elections are scheduled for June 18, and the coming days are likely to be crucial in determining whether the alliance can resolve its differences or faces a divided contest.