JD(U) Intensifies Its Preparations For Jharkhand Assembly Elections

On 9 September 2024, Janata Dal (United) or JD(U)’s state executive committee held a key meeting in Ranchi, chaired by executive president Sanjay Kumar Jha. 

The gathering saw the presence of prominent leaders like Jharkhand unit president Khiru Mahto and veteran politician Saryu Roy.

In media statements following the meeting, Sanjay Jha emphasised JD(U)’s historic role in Jharkhand, recalling the party’s past representation in the assembly and its ministers. He confirmed that the party is working towards contesting the elections as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). 

It is understood that discussions are underway with the Bharatiya Janata Party, All Jharkhand Student Union Party, and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas regarding seat-sharing. JD(U)’s top leadership is aiming for maximum seats under the alliance agreement, which is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.

JD(U) has set its sights on 12 key constituencies in Jharkhand and has outlined a series of workers' conferences to boost its local presence. The first phase of these events will be held on:

• 19 September in Jharia, led by Pintu Singh.

• 22 September in Tundi, led by Deepnarayan Singh.

• 24 September in Mandu, led by Dushyant Patel (son of Khiru Mahto).

• 28 September in Chhatarpur, under former minister Sudha Chaudhary’s leadership.

Further conferences are planned for Chatra (29 September), and Mandar (30 September). One of the most anticipated events will be in Jamshedpur East, where Bihar CM and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar is expected to make an appearance.

A key strategic move by JD(U) has been bringing in veteran politician Saryu Roy, a former BJP leader, to play a crucial role in the party’s Jharkhand campaign. Jha highlighted Roy’s influence, stating that his presence has strengthened JD(U)’s electoral prospects in the state.

With Nitish Kumar’s governance model from Bihar and emphasis on Kurmi Mahto voters as its key talking point, JD(U) is positioning itself to be a significant contender in the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections.