Jharkhand: Election Commission directs probe into Saudi funding claims against Dumri MLA Jairam Mahto

Ranchi: A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission alleging that chief of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) and Dumri MLA Jairam Mahto accepted foreign funding during the recently concluded Assembly elections.

The complaint was filed via email by one Rahul Banerjee from West Bengal. In his complaint Banerjee claimed that Mahto received funds from Saudi Arabia, violating election laws.

Banerjee has urged the Election Commission to investigate the allegations and cancel JLKM’s registration, and bar Mahto and his party members from participating in future elections.

Following the complaint, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jharkhand directed the Bokaro District Commissioner to launch an investigation.

The complainant also mentioned that such foreign funding, if proven true, constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and threatens the integrity of the electoral process and the sovereignty of the nation.

Screenshots of Mahto’s tweets regarding fund collection have been shared as evidence. The complainant has also demanded the cancellation of votes cast during the first phase of polling on November 13 if the allegations are confirmed.

Jairam Mahto, 30, a PhD student popularly known as ‘Tiger Jairam’ by his supporters, emerged as a key figure in the Assembly polls. His party played a decisive role in seats dominated by the Kudmi Mahto community, affecting the electoral prospects of the BJP and its allies.

Responding to the controversy, a senior JLKM leader admitted that party candidates had used QR codes to collect donations. However, laws strictly prohibit political parties, candidates, and election-related entities from accepting foreign contributions.

Till the time report was filed Mahto did not comment on the complaint filed against him on receiving foreign funding to contest elections.