AJSU-P Leader Questions Jharkhand Government's Election Conduct
In a significant political development in Ranchi, former deputy chief minister and AJSU-P president Sudesh Mahto has raised serious concerns regarding the recent urban local body elections in Jharkhand. Speaking at his party's 'Milan Samaroh' event on Wednesday, Mahto directly criticized Chief Minister Hemant Soren's administration for its handling of the electoral process.
Party-Based Elections Controversy
Mahto emphasized that the urban local body elections should have been conducted on a party basis, noting that both the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) had fielded their own candidates for the polls. "The chief minister should have ensured these elections were contested with party symbols," Mahto stated, highlighting what he perceives as an inconsistency in the electoral framework.
AJSU-P's Stance on Political Morality
The AJSU-P chief revealed that his party did not officially support any candidate in these elections, adhering to what he described as "political morality." However, he announced that district-level committees would now determine which candidates to support moving forward. This decision reflects the party's strategic approach to local politics while maintaining its principled position.
Suspicions Over Ballot Paper Usage
One of Mahto's most pointed criticisms centered on the state government's decision to conduct the urban body elections using traditional ballot papers instead of electronic voting machines (EVMs). "This raises legitimate suspicions about the government's intentions," Mahto asserted, suggesting that the move could potentially compromise electoral transparency and integrity.
Unresolved Local Reservation Issue
Mahto also challenged the state government to clearly define who qualifies as "local people" for reservation purposes. He recalled that the JMM had promised 75% reservation for locals in the last two elections but has yet to provide a concrete definition or implementation framework. "The government must clarify this crucial issue that affects thousands of Jharkhand residents," he demanded.
Growing Support for AJSU-P
During his address, Mahto claimed that AJSU-P continues to struggle for the people's cause, attracting new members who have become frustrated with the current state government's policies. The 'Milan Samaroh' event witnessed significant political defections, with numerous members from other parties, including the JMM and Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, formally joining AJSU-P.
This development signals potential shifts in Jharkhand's political landscape as urban local body elections approach. Mahto's criticisms touch on fundamental aspects of electoral democracy, including party representation, voting methodology, and reservation policies, setting the stage for continued political debate in the state.
