Dumka: In another setback to the JMM, Littipara MLA Dinesh William Marandi joined the BJP on Friday, following the footsteps of outgoing MLAs from Borio and Jama constituencies. The switch comes just days before the second phase of the assembly election on Nov 20.
Marandi joined the saffron party during an election rally at Hiranpur football ground in Pakur, in the presence of BJP's Jharkhand election in-charge and Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The move was triggered by JMM's denial of a ticket to Marandi from the Littipara assembly seat, which his family had represented for nearly four decades. The only exception was a brief period of 2.5-3 years when Dr Anil Murmu held the seat before his death in 2017.
JMM's decision to field former Rajmahal MP Hemlal Murmu from Littipara this time prompted Marandi's rebellion. Criticising the JMM, Marandi accused the party of nepotism.
"My father was instrumental in bringing JMM supremo Shibu Soren to Santhal Pargana and supporting him during the statehood movement. Yet I was denied ticket," Marandi said, questioning how four members of the Soren family could receive party tickets while he was overlooked. He justified his switch to BJP, claiming it was the only party genuinely concerned about tribal interests.
Soon after joining BJP, JMM general Vinod Pandey issued notification freeing Dinesh from posts and membership of the party. He said, "His conduct now proved that he has been working against the party."
At the rally, Chouhan expressed confidence in NDA's victory, citing strong support in the first phase of elections. He criticised the JMM-led govt's performance and raised concerns about Bangladeshi infiltration in Santhal Pargana, particularly in Pakur district.
"The Hemant Soren govt has been patronising Bangladeshi infiltration, with its leaders promising free LPG cylinders to them. The BJP govt will drive them away," Chouhan said, urging voters to support BJP candidate Babudhan Murmu from Littipara.