SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, January 30: Former mayor and Dhanbad’s first woman mayor Indu Devi on Friday filed her nomination for the mayoral post once again, marking her return to the civic poll arena after 15 years.
Indu Devi is the aunt of former Jharia MLA Sanjeev Singh and had created political history in 2010 by becoming the first mayor of the Dhanbad Municipal Corporation (DMC).
Historic Win in 2010 Civic Polls
The first-ever DMC elections were held in 2010, when the mayor’s seat was reserved for women. Indu Devi emerged victorious, defeating several prominent candidates from politics, social organisations and trade unions.
Among those she defeated were four-time BJP MP Prof. Rita Verma, well-known doctor Dr Shivani Jha, Dr Urmila Sinha—granddaughter of veteran Congress leader and trade unionist B.P. Sinha—making her victory a major political upset at the time.
Strong Political Background
Before becoming Dhanbad mayor, Indu Devi had also served as District Board Chairperson of Ballia (Uttar Pradesh) from 2004 to 2008.
Her husband Ramadhir Singh, younger brother of late Jharia MLA Surdeo Singh, is currently lodged in Ranchi jail in connection with a murder case.
Family Unity Then, Factional Divide Now
A senior BJP leader recalled that during the 2010 civic elections, the Surdeo Singh family was politically united. Then Jharia MLA Sanjeev Singh had openly supported Indu Devi’s candidature. His cousin, late Neeraj Singh, also won the post of Deputy Mayor in the same election.
However, political equations within the family have changed significantly over the past 15 years. Indu Devi is now said to be leading a separate faction.
Late Neeraj Singh’s wife, former Jharia MLA Purnima Neeraj Singh, has since joined the Congress party, further altering the family’s political alignment.
Sanjeev Singh Also in Race?
Sources said former MLA Sanjeev Singh is also keen on contesting the mayoral post. He has reportedly purchased the nomination form and is awaiting clearance from the BJP high command.
Adding to the political intrigue, Sanjeev Singh’s wife and sitting Jharia MLA Ragni Singh is believed to enjoy strong grassroots support, which could play a decisive role in shaping the election outcome.