Jharia MLA Ragini Singh Chooses Party Loyalty Over Family in Dhanbad Mayor Contest
In a decisive move that ends weeks of political speculation, Jharia MLA Ragini Singh declared on Friday her unequivocal support for the Bharatiya Janata Party's official candidate, Sanjeev Agrawal, in the upcoming Dhanbad municipal elections. Significantly, she will not be campaigning for her husband, Sanjeev Singh, who has filed his nomination as a rebel candidate against the party's choice.
A Clear Stand on Party Discipline
Addressing reporters, Ragini Singh emphasized her commitment to the BJP's disciplinary framework. "I belong to a disciplined political organization," she stated firmly. "The party, after thorough consultation and extensive surveys, has officially endorsed Sanjeev Agrawal's candidacy. As per the responsibility entrusted to me, I will campaign vigorously for him."
She clarified that her husband's decision to enter the mayoral fray was entirely his personal choice, independent of the party's directive. "As an elected MLA, my primary duty is to execute the tasks assigned by the party leadership," Ragini explained, underscoring her refusal to support her husband's rebel campaign.
Background of the Rebel Candidate
Sanjeev Singh, a former Jharia MLA himself, brings a complex history to this election. He spent eight years in jail before being acquitted last year in the high-profile 2017 murder case of his cousin, Neeraj Singh, who served as Dhanbad's deputy mayor. His candidacy adds a dramatic layer to an already contentious electoral battle.
Broader Context of Rebellion Within BJP Ranks
Ragini Singh pointed out that several other BJP functionaries have also chosen to contest as rebels, including:
- Mukesh Pandey
- Bhirgunath Bhagat
- Shantanu Chandra
- Former mayor Chandrashekhar Agrawal
Of these, Chandrashekhar Agrawal has since defected to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), while Shantanu Chandra has resigned from the BJP's primary membership. The remaining rebels continue to challenge the official party line.
Recent Political Developments and Alliances
Ragini Singh recently participated in a crucial meeting of the committee formed for the municipal elections. This gathering was attended by prominent BJP leaders, including Dhanbad MLA Raj Sinha, BJP district president Shravan Rai, and senior party leader Hari Prakash Lata, signaling a unified front behind Sanjeev Agrawal.
In a related development, the last date for withdrawal of nominations passed without any rebel candidates retracting their papers. Meanwhile, JMM-supported candidate Neelam Mishra withdrew her nomination, as Chandrashekhar Agrawal, now aligned with JMM, will contest as their official candidate, reshaping the opposition dynamics.
Implications for the Dhanbad Mayoral Election
This internal conflict within the BJP highlights the intense competition and strategic maneuvering characteristic of municipal politics in Jharkhand. Ragini Singh's public stance reinforces the party's attempt to maintain discipline and present a cohesive front, even at the cost of familial political divisions. The election is poised to be a closely watched contest, testing both party loyalty and local allegiances in Dhanbad.
