SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Nov 19: The four assembly seats in Bokaro district are witnessing fierce battles between NDA and INDI Alliance candidates, with the newly formed regional outfit, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), determined to establish its presence.
In the 2019 assembly elections, the BJP contested independently, securing victories in Bokaro Sadar and Chandankyari, while the Congress won Bermo, and the AJSU triumphed in Gomia. This time, the BJP and the AJSU have joined hands under the NDA banner, adding a new dynamics to the contests.
Key contests in Bokaro Sadar and Chandankyari
Bokaro Sadar: Two-time BJP MLA Biranchi Narayan is locked in a direct contest with Sweta Singh, the daughter-in-law of veteran leader late Samresh Singh. The two had faced off in 2019 as well, with Narayan securing a decisive victory by over 30,000 votes.
Chandankyari: A fierce battle is unfolding in Chandankyari, where BJP’s Amar Bauri, the leader of the opposition, is pitted against JMM’s Umakant Rajak.
Formerly a senior leader of the AJSU, Rajak switched to the JMM after the BJP was allocated the Chandankyari seat under the NDA arrangement. Rajak aims to reclaim his traditional seat, adding intensity to the contest.
Also Read- Jharkhand Polls: Direct face-off between NDA and INDI Alliance in six Dhanbad seats
Bermo and Gomia: High-stakes battles
Bermo: The Bermo seat features a direct contest between sitting Congress MLA Jaymangal Singh, also known as Anup Singh, and BJP’s Ravindra Pandey, a three-time Giridih MP. The rivalry carries historical significance as interestingly Anup Singh’s father (Rajendra Prasad Singh) and Ravindra Pandey’s father Krishna Murari Pandey were close friends and influential leaders of Congress.
Gomia: Gomia is witnessing a triangular contest involving sitting MLA Lambodar Mahto (AJSU) representing the NDA, JMM’s Yogender Mahto, and JLKM’s Jairam Mahto.
Jairam Mahto, who garnered significant support in the Gomia segment during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Giridih, is considered a serious contender. His campaign adds a fresh challenge to the traditional players in the constituency.
As Bokaro heads to the polls, the fierce competition and diverse political dynamics promise an intriguing battle for dominance in the district’s assembly seats.
