SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 2: In a surprising move on Wednesday evening, Dr. Amrendra Prasad, the second candidate for the Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA) presidential election, announced his withdrawal from the race.
Dr. Prasad stepped aside citing the ongoing controversy surrounding his candidacy and extended his support to Dr. Bimlesh Kumar Singh of Ranchi Sadar Hospital.
In a formal letter addressed to JSHSA’s Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. Lal Majhi, Dr. Prasad communicated his decision. Dr. Majhi confirmed receiving the letter and stated that the official announcement of the withdrawal will be made on January 4, following a meeting with the election committee.
Reasons for withdrawal: Age and campaign challenges
Dr. Prasad explained that his decision was based on practical constraints. At 64 years old, he felt unable to cope with the physically demanding campaign, which would have required travelling to all 24 districts in the state. Additionally, his busy schedule made it difficult for him to manage the campaign effectively.
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Controversy and Legal challenges
Another factor influencing Dr. Prasad’s decision was the controversy surrounding his candidacy. An official from JSHSA confirmed that a group of medical officers had filed a complaint with the election commission, challenging his eligibility.
The complaint argued that Dr. Prasad, as a suspended medical officer, was ineligible to contest under JSHSA by-laws. Dr. Prasad, however, denied these allegations, asserting that his suspension had been revoked by the health department following an order from the former health minister. Despite his clarification, the matter remained unresolved.
Dr. Majhi stated that this issue will also be addressed in the January 4 election committee meeting.
Dr. Bimlesh set to lead unopposed
With Dr. Prasad’s withdrawal, Dr. Bimlesh Kumar Singh is now positioned to become JSHSA’s president unopposed. This development mirrors the outcome of the 2020 election, where Dr. Bimlesh defeated Dr. Prasad in the race for the position of secretary.
Dr. Bimlesh’s unchallenged election reflects a shift in the association’s leadership dynamics and ends the current presidential race.
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Support for Dr. Bimlesh
JSHSA founder and former president, Dr. Sumant Mishra, welcomed the unanimous selection of Dr. Bimlesh Kumar Singh as president. He praised Dr. Bimlesh’s energy, proactive approach, and commitment to the interests of medical officers, expressing confidence that his leadership would benefit the association in the years to come.
