The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has revealed its candidates for two more constituencies. Incumbent MP Vijay Hansda has been nominated once again to contest from the Rajmahal constituency. Meanwhile, Manoharpur MLA and former minister Joba Manjhi will represent the party in the Singhbhum constituency, which came under JMM’s purview after Geeta Koda’s defection to the BJP. Additionally, it has been reported that rebel JMM MLA Lobin Hembram will run as an independent candidate from Rajmahal.
With these nominations, JMM has finalized four out of its five candidates. Previously, Giridih MLA Mathura Prasad Mahato and Dumka MLA Nalin Soren were announced as candidates. The party is yet to declare its candidate for the Jamshedpur constituency.
Lobin Hembram Expresses Anger, Mulls Independent Candidacy
JMM’s rebel MLA Lobin Hembram has voiced his discontent regarding the recent announcement. He deemed the nomination of Vijay Hansda as unfortunate, asserting that Hansda’s victory is improbable. Hembram criticized Hansda’s track record, alleging a lack of contribution to the constituency and focusing solely on personal business endeavors. In response, Hembram declared his intention to contest the elections independently from Rajmahal.
Regarding potential collaboration with JMM, Hembram stated that he has not engaged in discussions with party leadership yet. Meanwhile, JMM General Secretary Ashok Kumar Bhagat clarified that the party has yet to decide on a candidate for the constituency or address Hembram’s independent candidacy plans. Bhagat affirmed that the party will assess the situation and decide whether to endorse Hembram’s candidacy or field another candidate. Further announcements regarding this matter will be made following discussions with Hembram.
