SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Oct 29: In a significant blow to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), prominent leader Ashok Mandal has left the party to join the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantkari Morcha (JLKM), led by Jairam Mahto.
Mandal will contest for the Nirsa assembly seat, marking a pivotal shift in the political landscape of the coal-rich Dhanbad region.
Ticket denial sparks resignation
Ashok Mandal’s departure comes after he was denied the party ticket for the Nirsa seat. Frustrated by the repeated setbacks, he announced his decision to break ties with the JMM and seek election under the JLKM banner.
The JMM, under the INDI Alliance, has only secured the Tundi seat in Dhanbad, leaving Nirsa and Sindri to the CPIML and three other seats—Dhanbad Sadar, Jharia, and Baghmara—to the Congress.
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Previous electoral performance
Mandal has a history as the JMM candidate for the Nirsa assembly seat in both the 2014 and 2019 elections, where he finished in third place.
In 2014, he trailed behind winner Arup Chatterjee of the MCC and Ganesh Mishra of the BJP, and in 2019, he again secured the third position after Aparna Sengupta of the BJP and Chatterjee.
Political journey and influence
Regarded as a popular leader in the Nirsa area, Mandal hails from Berbendia in Dhanbad but currently resides in Barakar, West Bengal.
His political career began with the JMM, but he was also a strong supporter of Arjun Munda. In 2004, following Arjun Munda’s appointment as Chief Minister and P.N. Singh’s presidency of the state BJP, Ashok Mandal joined the BJP.
He ran as the BJP candidate for the Nirsa assembly seat in both the 2005 and 2009 elections, and he was later appointed as the district president.
Following a defeat in the 2009 elections, he returned to his original party, the JMM, before making this latest move to JLKM.
