As yet another Rajya Sabha election nears in the State, excitement has prevailed all over, especially those who often remain in the line of fire.
The Opposition camp looking good on papers has been prone to poaching that worries the JVM this time also.
Legislator from Latehar Prakash Ram though promised to toe his party line, has not made his choice officially public as of now. At the same time he also sounded shaky about win for the Opposition candidate.
“Congress, JMM and JVM along with other parties in the Opposition camps have the figures which can win one seat for them. But it can only happen when there is honesty in their approaches. If the Opposition members remain united and honest winning a Rajya Sabha seat is possible,” said Prakash Ram. “Opposition has to imply its full force to win the seat which was not the case on the last occasion. This is of course a worry for us but things are like that in Jharkhand,” said the MLA who along with Pradeep Yadav holds importance for Congress nominee Dheeraj Sahu. Sahu besides his own party’s seven members is banking on JMM’s 18 and at least three other individual members to cross the bar.The MLA’s apprehension holds some water also because neither the Congress nor the main Opposition party JMM has called any formal consultation of the legislators before or after filing the nomination.
“I had got a call at the last moment when Dheeraj Sahu was to file his nomination. Besides that, no consultation has been made with me so far. Also, our party is yet to sit together and decide. However, I have heard about our party president (Babulal Marandi) pitching to support the Opposition candidate and we would abide by that,” said Prakash Ram denying any attempt made by the BJP to approach him.
The ruling BJP has at least 22 surplus first preference votes but well short of the magic figure 27. Moreover, a party insider says that its floor managers are out to reach ‘likeminded’ legislators to win the second seat on offer.
“There are MLAs in the Opposition who are unhappy with the Congress fielding its candidate despite having only seven MLAs.
Even if one believes any understanding that is said to have reached between the JMM and the Congress for future, how it is going to affect or benefit others in the Opposition? Many such legislators are unhappy and we are sure to get their support,” said a leader. Voting for the two seats in the Upper House of Parliament is to take place on March 23.