BJP MLA from Mandu seat of Jharkhand Jai Prakash Patel joined Congress on Wednesday (20 March). This is being considered as a setback for BJP before the Lok Sabha elections. Jharkhand Congress President Rajesh Thakur and in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir were present on this occasion. Jharkhand government minister Alamgir Alam said that the party will benefit from Prakash Patel joining Congress.
What did Jai Prakash Patel say?
After joining hands with Congress, Jaiprakash Patel said that he is not accusing anyone. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he campaigned not only for BJP but also for the NDA alliance. We thought that we would be able to work for the people of Jharkhand, but it did not happen. He further said that my father Tek Lal Mahato was a leading warrior, we thought that by joining NDA we would carry forward his vision, but such an environment was not created. We will strengthen the 'Bharat' alliance in Jharkhand.
Congress can give ticket from Hazaribagh
Congress can field Prakash Patel from Hazaribagh Lok Sabha seat. BJP has made Manish Jaiswal its candidate from Hazaribagh seat. Jaiswal is MLA from Sadar.
What did Prakash Patel say on claiming the ticket?
Apart from this, when Prakash Patel was asked about his candidature from Hazaribagh seat, he said, “I am not worried about the post, I am worried about how to save Jharkhand.” Whether we get MP ticket or not, our aim is to strengthen the Indian alliance in Jharkhand.
Hazaribagh seat in 2019 elections
Jayant Sinha, son of former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha, had reached Parliament on BJP ticket from Hazaribagh seat in 2014 and 2019 elections. This time he has announced not to contest the elections. Voting for Lok Sabha elections in Jharkhand will be held in four phases on 13, 20, 25 May and 1 June.