Ranchi: Recently concluded Jharkhand assembly elections had witnessed several twists and turns in terms of leaders playing turncoats and parties making surprising alliances. But looks like the political corridors are still at unrest as few more realignments are taking place in the state.
According to a source who spoke to Newsd on condition of anonymity, the former Chief Minister of the state and JVM (Jharkhand Vikas Morcha) president, Babulal Marandi is likely to join Bharatiya Janata Party as its state president and the ‘face of opposition’.
It will be a win-win situation for both BJP and Marandi, as after the Assembly election debacle, BJP has been looking for a stronger tribal face in Jharkhand with an appeal in Santhal region. BJP’s other tribal face, Arjun Munda, has his influence limited in the Kolhan region where the party could not perform well in the current assembly election.
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JVM has three MLAs and after the election, it had extended support to JMM-led government in the state.
However, recent rumors surfaced that Marandi will merge JVM with the saffron party when the BJP postponed the decision to elect the Leader of Opposition by 14 January.
Reportedly parties have denied the merger claiming it to be ‘mere speculations’. Marandi’s aide Tuhid Alam while speaking to Newsd, said “there is no indication of merging with BJP or any other party. We have extended support to the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) and we stand by our party leader’s decision.”
Contrary to the statement, a Jharkhand BJP leader told that “it is too early to say anything, but some progress is being made towards the merger.”
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The little trouble for Marandi is two other JVM MLAs, who may choose not to go with him. According to the reports, the two of his legislators – Pradeep Yadav and Bandhu Tirkey – are reluctant to join the saffron party delaying the merger of JVM with BJP.
