JAMSHEDPUR: As the high-decibel campaign heats up in the prestigious Jamshedpur East constituency, independent candidate and BJP rebel Shiv Shankar Singh is turning heads with his grassroots approach, using nukkad sabhas and padyatras to challenge the BJP's official nominee, Purnima Das. Singh’s campaign has cast a spotlight on what he calls “dynasty politics” and “goondaraaj,” with his message resonating among disillusioned voters and BJP loyalists who feel sidelined by the party's decision.
Singh claims a “silent wave” of support is rising, not only from the public but from BJP cadre, which he says could shake the foundations of BJP’s long-held stronghold in Jamshedpur East.
Singh is positioning his bid as a movement to replace “parivaarwaad” (dynasty politics) and “palayanwaad” (abandonment of development) with “sevawaad” (service-oriented governance), vowing to end the dominance of a single family over the constituency. As Jamshedpur East prepares for the November 13 polls, Singh spoke to TOI to discuss his motivations and his vision for the constituency, where stakes are equally high for BJP and Congress on this seat.
Q: After several years of being a BJP karyakarta, what made you rebel?
A: The fight is against the dynasty politics of one particular family (the Raghubar Das family) here. Jamshedpur East was always a BJP stronghold for over two decades, but the party never embraced dynasty politics. This time, the announcement of a candidate from within the Das family came as a shock to most BJP workers here, revealing how a particular individual considers this seat his family fiefdom.
Q: So you believe that you can repeat what Saryu Roy did in 2019 here?
A: The growing silent wave of public support, coupled with the backing of BJP’s grassroots workers, indicates as much. There is visible panic within the BJP since my nomination, and they are employing various tactics to intimidate my supporters.
Q: BJP managed to successfully pacify many rebels in the state to curb the division of votes. Did they approach you too?
A: Yes, both central and state leaders attempted to persuade me, but I could not ignore public sentiment and simply turn back. The people want change.
Q: What are your poll planks?
A: After 25 years of BJP representation here and even five years under an independent MLA, Jamshedpur East is still deprived of basic amenities. Two worlds exist here—those living in the Tata lease area and the Tata sub-lease area (home to 86 bastis). The latter group, who form the majority of voters, continue to struggle with all sorts of development issues. While leaders consistently promised change, nothing materialised. In addition, the rising problem of drug abuse among youth is a significant concern that needs urgent attention.
Q: How do you address concerns that your campaign might split votes and inadvertently benefit the opposition?
A: My campaign is about reclaiming this seat for the people and ending dynastic control. It’s about restoring integrity and service-focused governance.
Q: What makes you confident that BJP supporters will rally behind you?
A: BJP always advocated against dynasty politics, and many within the party feel deeply betrayed. I believe BJP loyalists who share these values will support me over the family-centred approach they’re now being offered.