Ghatshila Bypoll Reaches Climax as Counting Day Arrives
The political atmosphere in Ghatshila has reached a fever pitch as the counting date for the crucial byelection is merely hours away. The two main contenders, BJP and JMM, both radiate confidence about celebrating victory when results are announced on November 14.
Eyes Glued to the Strong Room
Despite their public confidence, party workers from both sides are maintaining a vigilant watch over the strong room at Jamshedpur Cooperative College, where the EVMs are securely stored. The high-stakes nature of this election has left no room for complacency.
Meanwhile, election strategists are busy analyzing the impressive 74.63% voter turnout. This substantial participation has become a central point of debate, with each party interpreting it to their advantage.
Confident Claims from Rival Camps
The BJP attributes the high turnout to public discontent, suggesting that anti-incumbency sentiments drove voters to the polls. In contrast, the mahagathbandhan (grand alliance), led by JMM, argues that the strong numbers reflect widespread support for various government welfare schemes.
Speaking to the media, former MP and JMM leader Suman Mahato expressed unwavering belief in his party's candidate. "CM Hemant Soren and Kalpana Soren camped in Ghatshila for days and campaigned for our party and Mahagathbandhan candidate Somesh Soren," he stated. "We can observe that people voted with trust. There's no one to defeat our candidate in this byelection."
This confidence is echoed by the candidate himself. JMM candidate Somesh Soren declared, "It is just a matter of a couple of hours now before the results are announced. JMM will win the seat with a good margin of votes." Party leaders and workers, who have been active at the campaign tent since it was set up on November 12, show no signs of nervousness.
On the other side, the BJP presents a completely different perspective and is confident about wresting the seat from the ruling party. BJP candidate Babulal Soren, who is also the son of Champai Soren and finished second in the previous election, appeared more assured this time. "Several factors came into play in this election. People have backed BJP's ideology and programmes," he claimed. "Disenchantment of the people towards the state govt was palpable. We are winning this election."
High Stakes and Political Legacies
Behind the scenes, conversations among saffron party leaders reveal deeper concerns. They murmur about Champai Soren's political legacy being at stake if Babulal does not secure a victory. However, a state executive committee member of the party noted a potential path to victory, suggesting that "if a big chunk of tribal votes goes to Champai, then it is likely that BJP will upset JMM."
The district administration has finalized all arrangements to ensure a free and fair counting process. The votes will be tallied in 20 rounds across 15 tables at the designated counting centre.
This bypoll was necessitated by the untimely demise of the sitting JMM MLA and minister Ramdas Soren on August 15, setting the stage for this intense political contest that will soon reach its conclusion.
