SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Nov 19: For the first time, candidates from the NDA and INDI Alliance are locked in direct competition across all six assembly constituencies in Dhanbad, with voting scheduled for tomorrow.
In the 2019 elections, the Congress and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) had allied, while the Marxist Coordination Committee (MCC), led by A.K. Roy, contested independently, fielding candidates in Nirsa (Arup Chatterjee) and Sindri (Anand Mahto).
However, this time, the major regional parties have unified under the INDI Alliance banner. The MCC has merged with the CPIML, which has been allocated the stronghold seats of Nirsa and Sindri.
In the 2019 elections, the BJP won four constituencies—Dhanbad Sadar, Baghmara, Sindri, and Nirsa—while the JMM and Congress secured Tundi and Jharia, respectively.
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Constituency-by-Constituency breakdown
Dhanbad Sadar: Though 18 candidates are contesting this seat, the primary battle is between two-time sitting BJP MLA Raj Sinha and Congress candidate Ajay Dubey. In 2019, Sinha defeated veteran leader Mannan Mallick by over 30,000 votes.
This election is expected to witness a similar polarisation of votes. However, the Congress’s delay in announcing Dubey’s candidacy gave the BJP an advantage in campaigning efforts.
Jharia: In Jharia, a direct contest is unfolding between sitting Congress MLA Purnima Singh and BJP’s Ragni Singh, mirroring their face-off in 2019.
Meanwhile, Sultan Ahmed, representing Jairam Mahto’s Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), has entered the fray, potentially eating into Purnima Singh’s vote share. In 2019, Ahmed contested under MCC’s banner, securing over 14,000 votes, while Purnima Singh emerged victorious.
Baghmara: Baghmara is witnessing a direct showdown between Congress’ Jaleshwar Mahto and BJP’s Shatrughan Mahto, elder brother of Dhanbad MP Dhulu Mahto. Top leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda have campaigned for their respective candidates in this high-stake seat.
In 2019, Jaleshwar Mahto narrowly lost to Dhulu Mahto by just 824 votes. This time, a triangular contest has emerged with Congress rebel Rohit Yadav joining the race. Analysts suggest Yadav could secure a significant share of Yadav and Muslim votes.
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Tundi: Despite 20 candidates in the running, the primary competition lies between sitting JMM MLA Mathura Prasad Mahto and BJP’s Vikash Mahto, setting up another key battle.
Nirsa: Nine candidates are vying for Nirsa, but the main contest pits sitting BJP MLA Aparna Sengupta against former CPIML MLA Arup Chatterjee.
Adding complexity to the race, JMM rebel Ashok Mandal is contesting on a JLKM ticket.
Sindri: Sindri features a fresh competition between two new candidates. BJP has fielded Tara Devi, wife of sitting MLA Indrajit Mahto, while CPIML has nominated Babloo Mahto, son of former MLA Anand Mahto.
As Dhanbad prepares for tomorrow’s elections, all eyes are on these crucial seats, where voter turnout and alliances could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome.
