JD(U) SUFFERS SETBACK IN ROHTAS

JD(U) SUFFERS SETBACK IN ROHTAS

15-OCT-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

SASARAM-----------------------------Following the NDA's seat-sharing announcement for the Bihar Assembly elections, political activity in Rohtas district has intensified. Several JDU leaders, upset over the loss of seats, are joining the BSP and Jan Suraj.

Following the NDA's seat-sharing announcement for the Bihar Assembly elections, the contest for several assembly seats in Rohtas district is now looking increasingly interesting. Several former MLAs, upset over seats going to other constituent parties, have joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and are now trying to disrupt the equation. Although both the NDA and the Grand Alliance have yet to formally announce their candidates, there is a growing buzz in political circles that once the candidates are announced, the number of candidates denied tickets will increase. Consequently, many leaders may contest as independents or from other parties to protect their political standing.

It should be noted that many JDU leaders are dissatisfied with the Dinara and Sasaram assembly seats in the district going to Upendra Kushwaha's party, the RLM.

Former minister and JDU leader Jaikumar Singh, who was a contender for the Dinara assembly seat, has resigned from the party, expressing his displeasure over the seat going to the RLM. A two-time minister in the Bihar government, Jaikumar Singh is now preparing to contest the Dinara seat on a BSP ticket. His move has sparked new political turmoil within the NDA.

Meanwhile, former MLA Ashok Singh Kushwaha, who was hoping for a ticket from the Sasaram assembly seat, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the seat going to the RLM and resigned from the JDU. He has now joined the BSP, which has declared him its candidate from Sasaram. It is worth noting that the Sasaram region is considered a stronghold of the Kushwaha community. In this context, the contest on this seat is likely to become even more interesting with Dr. Ashok Singh, who comes from this community, contesting on a BSP ticket.

Following the NDA's seat-sharing arrangement, signs of disunity within the Rohtas district JDU have become apparent. Following the former minister and former MLA's departure from the party, JDU District President Ajay Singh Kushwaha has also resigned. He, along with his brother, Dr. Nirmal Kushwaha, has joined the Jan Suraj Party. Sources indicate that Dr. Nirmal Kushwaha may contest the Sasaram election on a Jan Suraj ticket. Other JDU leaders, dissatisfied with the seat-sharing arrangement, are also considering breaking away from the party line.

Political analysts believe that the growing strength of Jan Suraj in Bihar could lead to unexpected results in several seats this time. Judging by the large crowds at Jan Suraj events over the past few months, it's clear that the party can give a tough fight to both the NDA and Grand Alliance candidates. Meanwhile, rebel NDA leaders are also preparing to contest the elections as independents or on other party tickets. This has raised the possibility of multi-cornered contests in many seats, raising the possibility of political reversals across Bihar, including Rohtas.