Vidyut rides on Modi wave

Jamshedpur: Pitted against the strong persona of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha�s second time MP aspirant Dr Ajoy Kumar, Vidyut Varan Mahato of Bharatiya Janata Party tasted victory by dint of the sweeping effect of BJP�s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in Jamshedpur Lok Sabha constituency.

Lacking what Dr Ajoy possessed as a charismatic candidate having an enviable professional record as a former IPS officer and raring to make it big in politics, Vidyut, the former Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA from Baharagora carried home the trophy with little praise to go on his side. It was however no cakewalk for him as his nearest opponent Dr Ajoy secured 3,64,270 votes against his 4,64,144.

The difference of around one lakh votes was an ample proof that Dr Ajoy�s supporters stood their ground despite the Modi wave, though the balance finally tilted in favour of the BJP candidate given the intensive nationwide media publicity by Modi camp.

Vidyut�s victory also owes much to the bet placed on him by former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Arjun Munda who not only took the risk of nominating the former JMM leader as a candidate but also mustered support for him within the party. Munda confidently campaigned in favour of Vidyut defying �outsider� slur being cast by few partymen on the latter. His confidence finally paid off with the huge margin of victory.

While the contest remained centred around Vidyut and Dr Ajoy, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha�s Niroop Mohanty fetched 1,38,109 mainly with the help of traditional JMM supporters.

Interestingly, the fourth place was taken unexpectedly by the �None of the Above� (NOTA) category chosen by 15,629 voters. Other candidates fetched nominal figures as compared to prominent candidates.