Jharkhand Assembly elections: Growing discontent in AJSU as alliance and seat sharing nears

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Oct 8: With the Jharkhand Assembly elections drawing closer, internal dissatisfaction within the AJSU Party is expected to intensify as soon as the seat-sharing arrangements with the BJP are finalized. The party, often criticized for being dominated by the family members of its supremo Sudesh Mahto, faces a potential storm of discontent. Many leaders who have worked tirelessly for five years as in-charges of various constituencies may find themselves sidelined if their desired seats do not fall under AJSU’s share in the alliance.

In AJSU, the role of an in-charge typically means being a strong contender for the party ticket in the assembly elections. However, the party’s alliance with the BJP historically limits the number of seats AJSU can contest, with the BJP allocating them around five to seven constituencies. The problem, as many within AJSU see it, is that two or three of these seats often go to members of Sudesh Mahto’s family, leaving few opportunities for other leaders. This favoritism, combined with accusations of nepotism, has significantly damaged the party’s image, causing frustration among loyal workers who have invested both time and resources over the years.

Sudesh Mahto, once a prominent leader of the Kurmi community, has also faced personal electoral setbacks, losing twice from his stronghold in Silli. His declining influence has raised questions about his ability to lead the party effectively. With his attention consumed by his own constituency and dependence on the BJP for political survival, Sudesh has struggled to campaign for other AJSU candidates, leaving them to fend for themselves.

The rise of Jairam Mahto, another leader from the Kurmi community, poses a significant challenge to Sudesh’s leadership. Jairam has been gaining ground, especially among disgruntled AJSU leaders and workers, threatening to erode the party’s base even further. As AJSU approaches the elections, it faces the difficult task of maintaining unity among its cadre, who are increasingly looking to Jairam as an alternative.