Jharkhand Polls: NDA and INDI Alliance Face Off in Dhanbad
Dhanbad is poised for a decisive political battle as candidates from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the newly unified INDI Alliance go head-to-head in all six assembly constituencies. Scheduled for November 20, this is the first time such a direct face-off is unfolding between these two coalitions in the region, making the elections a litmus test for both alliances.
झारखण्ड विधानसभा आम निर्वाचन 2024 के निमित्त आज देर शाम बाजार समिति स्थित सभी विधानसभा क्षेत्र के लिए बनाए गए रिसीविंग सेंटर का निरीक्षण किया। इस दौरान बाजार समिति परिसर की मूलभूत सुविधाओं सहित सुरक्षा तथा अन्य बिंदुओं पर आवश्यक दिशा निर्देश दिए।@ECISVEEP@ceojharkhand pic.twitter.com/wbMG4xfsVL
— District Election Officer Cum DC Dhanbad (@Deo_cum_Dc) November 19, 2024
In the 2019 assembly elections, alliances were less consolidated. While the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) were partners, the Marxist Coordination Committee (MCC) fielded independent candidates in Nirsa and Sindri. This year, however, the MCC has merged with the CPIML, which has been allocated its traditional stronghold seats of Nirsa and Sindri under the INDI Alliance banner.
2019 Results and Realigned Alliances
In 2019, the BJP emerged victorious in four constituencies—Dhanbad Sadar, Baghmara, Sindri, and Nirsa—while the JMM and Congress secured Tundi and Jharia, respectively. The recalibrated alliances and fierce rivalries in 2023 have added a new dimension to these battles.
सशक्त लोकतंत्र के निर्माण हेतु हम सब मिलकर करेगें शत प्रतिशत मतदान #VoteDeneChalo#votekaregadhanbad @ceojharkhand @ECISVEEP pic.twitter.com/7Zf9xR3uOA
— District Election Officer Cum DC Dhanbad (@Deo_cum_Dc) November 19, 2024
Key Contests Across Constituencies
Dhanbad Sadar
The contest in Dhanbad Sadar is primarily between two-time BJP MLA Raj Sinha and Congress candidate Ajay Dubey. In 2019, Sinha defeated Congress veteran Mannan Mallick by over 30,000 votes.
Despite a delay in Congress announcing Dubey’s candidacy, the opposition hopes to consolidate votes against the BJP’s stronghold. Analysts expect another polarised electoral outcome.
Jharia
In Jharia, Congress MLA Purnima Singh faces BJP’s Ragni Singh in a rematch of their 2019 face-off. A wildcard in this election is Sultan Ahmed of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), who could split Purnima Singh’s vote share. In 2019, Ahmed, running under the MCC banner, garnered over 14,000 votes.
Baghmara
Baghmara is witnessing a heated battle between Congress’ Jaleshwar Mahto and BJP’s Shatrughan Mahto, brother of Dhanbad MP Dhulu Mahto. This high-stakes constituency has drawn prominent campaigners, including Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda.
In 2019, Jaleshwar narrowly lost to Dhulu Mahto by 824 votes. This year, the contest has become triangular with Congress rebel Rohit Yadav entering the race, potentially swaying Yadav and Muslim voters.
Tundi
Tundi, which features 20 candidates, sees a primary battle between sitting JMM MLA Mathura Prasad Mahto and BJP’s Vikash Mahto. Both parties are vying for dominance in this constituency, traditionally a JMM bastion.
Nirsa
In Nirsa, the main contenders are BJP MLA Aparna Sengupta and CPIML’s former MLA Arup Chatterjee. Adding complexity, JMM rebel Ashok Mandal is contesting under the JLKM banner, creating an unpredictable dynamic.
Sindri
Sindri features a fresh contest between two new candidates. The BJP has fielded Tara Devi, wife of outgoing MLA Indrajit Mahto, while CPIML has nominated Babloo Mahto, son of former MLA Anand Mahto. This constituency is expected to be a close race.
As voters prepare to head to the polls, the stakes are high for both the NDA and INDI Alliance. The results in Dhanbad’s six constituencies will not only reflect voter sentiment but could also shape the broader narrative of Jharkhand’s political landscape.
With unified opposition under the INDI Alliance and the BJP banking on its organizational strength, voter turnout and last-minute campaigning will play a critical role in determining the outcome.
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