SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Oct 21: The newly formed Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), led by Jairam Mahto, has suffered a significant blow before the upcoming elections. General Secretary Shankar Mahto, along with 12 senior leaders, has resigned from the party in protest against the selection of candidates.
Shankar Mahto spoke to media representatives at Gandhi Seva Sadan, expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of the party: “With the mission, I had joined the JLKM and became part of its movement, but that has changed now.”
He mentioned that at least eight senior leaders had hoped to receive tickets for the assembly elections but were overlooked by the party’s supreme leader, Jairam Mahto.
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Accusations of favouritism
In light of the situation, Shankar Mahto stated, “In such a situation, we have been left with no option but to resign from primary membership of the organisation.”
He alleged that the party has awarded tickets to individuals who had previously worked against JLKM candidates during the recent Lok Sabha elections.
Shankar Mahto, a prominent figure in the region, was among those vying for the Sindri assembly constituency in Dhanbad district. However, Jairam Mahto denied him the candidacy and instead awarded the ticket to Usha Devi.
Candidate announcements and leadership response
The JLKM has announced candidates for 28 seats so far, with additional names expected to be revealed soon. Jairam Mahto is set to contest from two constituencies.
Despite the resignation of Shankar Mahto, a senior JKL leader asserted that it would not affect the party’s success, emphasising that the public continues to support the party in the name of Jairam Mahto.
