This time there is an interesting contest between three prominent leaders of Kurmi caste in Giridih Lok Sabha seat of Jharkhand. Current MP Chandraprakash Chaudhary of AJSU Party is facing a tough challenge from Mathura Mahato of India Alliance and Jairam Mahato, head of an organization called JBKSS (Jharkhandi Bhasha Khatian Sangharsh Samiti). The number of voters of Kurmi caste in this Lok Sabha seat is about 19 percent and their role is considered to be the most decisive in deciding victory or defeat. This time, with three big Kurmi leaders in the fray, it is difficult for any one to get outright votes for his caste.
In such a situation, the equations formed on the basis of mobilization and support of other ethnic groups are being assessed. AJSU’s Chandraprakash Chaudhary, who won the 2019 elections, had secured 6 lakh 48 thousand 277 votes. Whereas, his nearest rival Jagarnath Mahato of JMM got 3 lakh 99 thousand 930 votes. This is the only seat in the state, which BJP has left for AJSU party this time after the year 2019. However, out of the total nine elections held on this seat from 1989 to 2014, BJP had won a total of six times.
Chandraprakash Chaudhary
In the last elections, Chandraprakash Chaudhary of AJSU Party got full support from BJP. This time there is not much enthusiasm among the local BJP workers on the candidature of Chandraprakash Chaudhary. The reason for this is that in the last five years, Chaudhary did not keep much contact with the local leaders and workers of BJP. Chandraprakash Choudhary himself is aware of this. Last week he met BJP leaders and workers and apologized for this “mistake”.
Mathura Mahato
JMM’s Mathura Mahato is contesting from this seat for the first time. He is counted among the prominent leaders of the party. He is the MLA from Tundi seat which comes under this Lok Sabha seat. He has reached the Assembly a total of three times from this seat. He has also been a minister in the state government twice.
Jairam Mahato
The third important candidate, Jairam Mahato, has made a good mark as a firebrand youth leader who has been fighting on the issue of language and locality of Jharkhand for the last three-four years. Huge crowds have been gathering in his public meetings across the state. The first test of his political standing will be in this election.
Before current MP Chandraprakash Choudhary, three Kurmi leaders Vinod Bihari Mahato, Rajkishore Mahato and Teklal Mahato have won from this seat. None of these three could reach the Lok Sabha for the second time. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see whether Chandraprakash is able to find his way from here to Parliament for the second time or not. However, all three prominent candidates are actively engaged in the public relations campaign. Voting here is to be held on May 25. The number of voters in this Lok Sabha seat spread over a total of six assembly constituencies is 18 lakh 40 thousand 296. (IANS)
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