Jamshedpur’s Dr. OP Anand, jailed for remarks against Banna Gupta, enters election fray on Samajwadi Party ticket

Manpreet Singh Bhatia

Jamshedpur, Oct 25: The upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand will be a crucial test for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, as well as their regional counterparts. The election, expected to shape the political future of the state, is shaping up to be more intense, with new contenders emerging. Minister Banna Gupta will contest on a Congress ticket for the Jamshedpur West Assembly seat, while NDA ally Janata Dal United has fielded Saryu Roy.

In a surprising development, Dr. OP Anand, director of 111 Save Life Hospital in Adityapur, will fight from Jamshedpur West on a Samajwadi Party (SP) ticket. On Friday, he again filed his nomination papers.

Earlier, on Thursday, Dr. OP Anand had filed nomination from the same seat as an independent candidate.

The election race in Jamshedpur West has intensified with the Samajwadi Party fielding its candidate, adding an unexpected twist to the contest. Notably, Congress candidate and current minister Banna Gupta had previously contested elections on the Samajwadi Party’s symbol before joining the Congress.

Dr. Anand was previously jailed for his remarks on Health Minister Banna Gupta, which led to the sealing of his hospital and his subsequent arrest. However, the Supreme Court later dismissed the case, and Dr. Anand was released from jail.

Talking to The Avenue Mail over phone, Dr. OP Anand’s representative addressed questions about the alleged issues with the current Jamshedpur West MLA, Banna Gupta, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated, “Dr. Anand believes that the focus should not be on individual personalities like Banna Gupta. He considers Gupta to be a figure of his own standing, but that is not the primary concern in this election. The real issue at stake is development and the pressing need to address the problems faced by the community.”

He further said, “In today’s circumstances, the public is confronted with numerous challenges, and it is crucial that the state government’s initiatives and schemes reach the citizens effectively. Dr. Anand envisions an MLA who is not only aware of these challenges but is also proactive in ensuring that these beneficial programs are delivered right at the doorsteps of the people. His campaign is centered around this philosophy, emphasizing the importance of representation that prioritizes the welfare of the community above all else.”

With the Samajwadi Party now re-entering the fray, the dynamics of the election could shift, potentially benefiting both the party and its candidate, Dr. OP Anand.