With polling day drawing closer, the political temperature in Ghatshila has risen sharply. Both the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan alliances have intensified their campaigns for the November 11 by-election, making the tribal-dominated constituency a hotbed of political activity.
On Wednesday, Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey joined the campaign in support of JMM candidate Somesh Soren. Unlike other campaigners who have been addressing mass rallies, Tirkey adopted a personal approach, meeting small groups of influential residents and Congress leaders in the area, appealing for votes in favour of the JMM nominee.
The Ghatshila bypoll has turned into a battle between two Sorens — Somesh Soren, son of the late minister Ramdas Soren, versus Babulal Soren, son of former Chief Minister Champai Soren, representing the BJP.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, campaigning for Babulal Soren on Tuesday, claimed that the election would be a reflection of people’s desire for change.
Addressing a rally at Dampara, Majhi said voters in Jharkhand have grown disillusioned with the government within a year of the Assembly polls. “The poor performance of the current government is evident. A Bharatiya Janata Party win in Ghatshila will mark the beginning of change,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Gandey MLA Kalpana Soren and Chief Minister Hemant Soren have been leading the JMM’s charge. Kalpana addressed two rallies on Tuesday after Hemant Soren launched the party’s campaign the previous day.
Making an emotional appeal, Kalpana urged voters to stand by Surajmani Soren, widow of Ramdas Soren, by electing her son Somesh. “Our sister-in-law has endured immense pain after losing her husband. Supporting her family is our shared responsibility,” she said.
Kalpana also remembered Ramdas as a “Majhi Baba” and an early fighter of the Jharkhand movement who worked alongside Guruji Shibu Soren for tribal empowerment.
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