Blow to NDA as BJP MLA, AJSU vice-chief join JMM

In a blow to NDA and a shot in the arm for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) ahead of Assembly elections, three-term BJP MLA Kedar Hazra and AJSU party’s vice-chief Umakant Rajak on Friday joined the political outfit.

Hazra, a sitting MLA from Jamua who won the seat in 2019 by a margin of 18,175 votes defeating Congress’ Manju Kumari, and Rajak, joined the JMM during a ceremony here.

Welcoming them to the JMM fold, Chief Minister Soren said both the old warriors, who actively participated in the movement for creation of a separate Jharkhand state, would strengthen the party. Elections to the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will be held in two phases — November 13 and November 20 — with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23.

“The time has come to save Jharkhand from political vultures with feudal mindset,” said Soren, as he attacked the Opposition BJP, alleging that it wanted to create unrest in the state with “petty political motives”.

“The JMM is not just a political party, it’s a warrior. We are committed to the welfare of tribals, poor and the deprived. Jharkhand was created due to the sacrifices of the party. Now, it has grown into a big tree under which people are living in peace and harmony,” he said.