As Jharkhand gears up for legislative elections, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has officially filed his candidacy from the Barhet seat. In an intriguing twist, Soren's affidavit reveals that his age appears to have increased by seven years over just a five-year gap. In 2019, his nomination stated he was 42 years old, whereas this year, it reports him as 49. This discrepancy has sparked discussions and raised eyebrows.
Assam's Chief Minister and BJP Jharkhand In-charge, Himanta Biswa Sarma, commented on Soren's affidavit, suggesting that the nomination shouldn't be dismissed; the people will decide his fate in the polls. Similarly, BJP's state president, Babulal Marandi, remarked that this isn't a novel tactic for Soren. The Election Commission has been notified about the discrepancy, which, according to him, is inappropriate. He insists that affidavits should be meticulously maintained.
Countering these claims, JMM Leader Manoj Pandey expressed that the JMM has been transparent, providing all necessary documents. When these were presented, the returning officer raised no objections; only now is the BJP crying foul as they foresee potential loss, he argues. Pandey asserts that the BJP has a history of deceit, often including fake degrees in important documents, something unbecoming of them but not of JMM.
Soren, representing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, has contested from the Barhet seat. The ruling JMM, in coalition with Congress, anticipates nail-biting elections this time with BJP fielding Gamaliel Hembram.
In 2019, Hembram contested from Barhet under an AJSU Party ticket, securing 2,573 votes. On Tuesday, BJP's candidate Hembram submitted his candidacy against Hemant Soren for the Barhet seat.
'Basic Amenities Lacking in Barhet'
Hembram expressed that while challenging the Chief Minister is daunting, Barhet's populace embraces the challenge. They continue battling for basic amenities such as roads and potable water. He envisions improving infrastructure, focusing on roads, drinking water, electricity, and educational facilities.
Source: aajtak
On Monday, the BJP declared Hembram as its candidate for this seat. Presently, Hemant Soren serves as the MLA for Barhet (ST) seat, having defeated BJP's Simon Marandi by 25,740 votes in the 2019 legislative elections. Additionally, Soren triumphed in Dumka but later vacated that seat.
Two Phased Voting in Jharkhand
Jharkhand's legislative elections will conduct voting across 81 seats on November 13 and 20, with results unveiled on November 23. Recently, the nomination process ended for the second phase, with 634 candidates filing their papers. On Tuesday, 297 hopefuls submitted documents to contest across 38 seats, with elections slated for November 20 in this phase. Verification of papers occurs on Wednesday, while candidates have until November 1 to withdraw their nominations.
The first phase accepted nominations from 743 candidates, rejecting 62 upon scrutiny. Initially, 805 candidates filed nominations. The election in 43 electoral divisions is set for November 13. Barkagaon, Jamshedpur West, and Hatia constituencies witness the highest number of contenders at 28, whereas Kharaswan sees the least with 10 contenders. In 2019, 633 candidates vied for positions across 43 seats.
