Jharkhand News : Ahead of the municipal body elections in Jharkhand, internal dissent within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come out in the open. In a major political setback for the BJP, Chandrashekhar Agarwal, former mayor of Dhanbad and considered close to former chief minister Raghubar Das, has joined the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
Joined JMM in CM Hemant Soren’s presence
Agarwal formally took membership of the JMM during the party’s foundation day समारोह in Dumka, in the presence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. His switch has intensified political activity in the state, especially in Dhanbad, where municipal elections are approaching.
Upset over denial of BJP support
Sources said the BJP announced support for Sanjeev Agarwal, a member of the party’s state working committee, as its mayoral face from Dhanbad, sidelining Chandrashekhar Agarwal. Angered by the denial of party backing, Chandrashekhar decided to sever ties with the BJP and cross over to the ruling JMM.
Political implications ahead of civic polls
Chandrashekhar Agarwal has earlier staked claims for BJP tickets for MP, MLA and mayoral posts. His decision to join JMM ahead of the civic polls is being seen as a significant blow to the BJP, while it is viewed as a political gain for the ruling party. However, it is notable that the JMM has already extended support to Neelam Mishra as its mayoral candidate from Dhanbad.
Political observers believe Agarwal’s move highlights growing dissatisfaction within the BJP over ticket distribution and could influence the dynamics of the upcoming municipal elections in Jharkhand.
