Mail News Service
Ranchi, Oct 17: Jharkhand is gearing up for a significant electoral battle as all political parties ramp up their preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. In the NDA alliance, the seat-sharing formula is nearing finalization, with the BJP striving to solidify its partnerships with various allies, including AJSU, JDU, and the newly included LJP-Ram Vilas Party.
On Thursday, a crucial meeting took place between Union Minister and LJP chief Chirag Paswan and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to discuss seat-sharing arrangements. Sources indicate that the discussions aimed to reach a consensus on contesting elections collaboratively in Jharkhand. “BJP is willing to allocate one seat to Chirag Paswan’s party, but he has claimed five seats under the NDA banner,” a party insider revealed.
Chirag Paswan’s party has expressed interest in contesting from the Dhanbad, Latehar, Chatra, Chhatarpur, and Jamshedpur West constituencies. Earlier, Himanta Biswa Sarma had mentioned that an official announcement regarding seat-sharing would come after Paswan returned from his overseas trip.
According to reports, Himanta Biswa Sarma attempted to persuade Paswan to settle for a single seat within the NDA. During a flight to the swearing-in ceremony for Haryana’s Chief Minister, discussions regarding the Jharkhand elections took centre stage. Additionally, two MPs from Paswan’s party met with Himanta Biswa Sarma and Babulal Marandi on Wednesday, advocating for at least three seats.
While the negotiations with Chirag Paswan continue, the JDU is pushing for an increase in the two seats currently allocated to them by the BJP in Jharkhand. The JDU state president, Khiru Mahato, has stated that the party is prepared to contest in 11 seats across the state, highlighting the tension within the alliance regarding seat distribution.
As it stands, the BJP is likely to contest 68 out of 81 seats, with AJSU anticipated to receive 10 seats. The JDU is expected to secure two seats, while LJP-Ram Vilas may be allocated one, reflecting the ongoing negotiations and adjustments within the NDA coalition.
