JMM fields ex-minister Baidyanath Ram as RS candidate

PNS

Ranchi

The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Saturday officially announced former state minister and prominent Scheduled Caste (SC) leader Baijnath Ram as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election from Jharkhand, ending speculation over the party’s choice for the prestigious Upper House seat.

The announcement was made at a press conference in Ranchi by JMM Central General Secretary and Chief Spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya. Addressing the media, Bhattacharya said the party had entrusted the responsibility of selecting its Rajya Sabha nominee to JMM Executive President and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, keeping in view the prevailing and future political circumstances in the state.

He stated that during a meeting held on Friday, senior party leaders conveyed their views and suggestions to the Chief Minister. After a comprehensive assessment of the political situation and extensive consultations with senior colleagues, the party leadership finalized Baijnath Ram’s candidature.

Explaining the political arithmetic behind the decision, Bhattacharya noted that Jharkhand has six Rajya Sabha seats and that elections are being held for the seats falling vacant. Given the current strength of parties in the Assembly, he said, no single party is generally in a position to comfortably secure more than one seat on its own. Expressing confidence in JMM’s numbers, he asserted that the party’s 34 MLAs would remain united and ensure the victory of its candidate.

The JMM leader also announced that Baijnath Ram will file his nomination papers on June 8 in the presence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Several senior leaders of the ruling Mahagathbandhan alliance are also expected to be present during the nomination process.

Political observers view the selection of Baijnath Ram as a carefully calibrated move by the JMM. A former minister and an influential Dalit face from the Latehar region, Ram enjoys considerable goodwill among Scheduled Caste communities across the state. Party leaders believe that sending him to the Rajya Sabha will strengthen the representation of Dalits and other marginalized sections within the party while also conveying a positive political message ahead of future electoral contests.

The announcement comes amid heightened political activity surrounding the Rajya Sabha election in Jharkhand, with parties finalizing their strategies and candidates for the crucial contest.