Ranchi: Samajwadi Party (SP) will contest Jharkhand assembly elections on its own, fielding 21 candidates after being unable to secure a seat allocation under INDIA alliance.
This move comes as a result of failed negotiations with Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) over seat-sharing, with SP’s Jharkhand state in-charge, Vyasji Gond, expressing dissatisfaction with how the alliance handled their requests.
Seat-sharing talks fall through
SP had been hoping for a share of seats under INDIA alliance, a coalition of opposition parties that came together to counter the ruling parties in several states. However, according to Gond, the alliance did not grant the party any seats in Jharkhand.
He indicated that SP faced a similar scenario in other states, like Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra, where they were also denied seat allocations by their INDIA alliance partners.
Gond revealed that he was in discussions with JMM and Congress about seat-sharing in Jharkhand but encountered delays and shifting positions from both parties. Initially, JMM suggested that SP’s seats should come from Congress’s share. When SP approached Congress, they were informed that Congress needed to allocate seats from its own quota to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The drawn-out negotiations left SP with assurances but, ultimately, no seats.
SP’s move to field candidates independently
In response to these setbacks, SP has decided to go ahead independently, fielding candidates in both the first and second phases of the Jharkhand assembly elections.
In the first phase, SP will contest in 11 constituencies – Garhwa, Barhi, Manika, Hussainabad, Bhanwathpur, Chhatarpur, Vishrampur, Jamshedpur, Barkatha, Barkagaon and Kanke. For the second phase, it has announced candidates in 10 more seats – Pakur, Maheshpur, Jarmundi, Rajmahal, Boryo, Sarath, Jamua, Nirsa, Tundi and Baghmara.
Gond emphasised that SP is making a strong effort to secure five key seats in Jharkhand, and he believes the party stands a good chance of success this time. “We are fighting very strongly on these seats, and this time we will get success in Jharkhand also,” he added.
Similar situation in other states
Earlier, in Maharashtra, SP had faced a similar dilemma. Initially seeking 12 seats under INDIA alliance, SP ultimately chose to field its own candidates on 10 seats after discussions stalled.
In Maharashtra, SP has put forth candidates in constituencies including Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Bhiwandi East, Malegaon Central, Dhule City, Bhiwandi West, Tuljapur, Paranda, Aurangabad East, Byculla, and one additional seat.
