After four years, the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly finally has a Leader of the Opposition. State BJP President Babulal Marandi, who was also Jharkhand’s first Chief Minister, has been chosen as the Leader of the BJP Legislature Party in the presence of the party’s central observers.
With this selection, Marandi officially takes on the role of Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. His fellow BJP MLAs congratulated him on the appointment. For the selection process, the BJP Parliamentary Board appointed Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav and MP Dr. K. Laxman as central observers.
The position had mostly remained vacant since 2020, except for a brief eight-month period in 2024 when Amar Bauri held the post.
Why the Delay?
In 2020, Marandi’s party, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik), merged with the BJP. He was expected to take up the role of opposition leader, but legal and procedural hurdles delayed his appointment. The main issue was obtaining his formal recognition as a BJP MLA, which prevented the party from nominating him earlier.
Marandi’s Political Journey
Marandi has played a major role in Jharkhand politics for over two decades. He became Jharkhand’s first Chief Minister in 2000 when the state was formed after separating from Bihar.
He was elected as an MP from Koderma in 1998 and played a key role in shaping Jharkhand’s early political direction. However, in 2006, he left the BJP due to internal disagreements and formed his own party, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik). His party remained active in state politics until merging back with the BJP in 2020.
After his return, he was appointed state BJP president, focusing on expanding the party’s presence in Jharkhand.
His New Role
Recognising his experience, leadership, and strong grassroots support, the BJP has now appointed him as the Leader of the Legislative Party.
With this new responsibility, Marandi will lead the opposition against the Hemant Soren-led government, ensuring accountability and raising key issues affecting the state.
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