Why Did the Jan Suraaj Candidate from Munger Join the BJP Just Before Voting?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sanjay Singh switches to BJP from Jan Suraaj.
- Electoral dynamics in Munger shift to a direct contest.
- NDA gains an advantage with this candidate's support.
- Jan Suraaj struggles to maintain candidate loyalty.
- Implications for Bihar's political landscape are significant.
Patna, Nov 5 (NationPress) Just a day ahead of the inaugural phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for Thursday, the Jan Suraaj candidate from the Munger constituency has severed ties with his party and aligned himself with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Sanjay Singh, the emerging party's nominee, made the switch to the BJP on Wednesday.
He took the BJP membership alongside the party's Munger candidate Kumar Pranay and pledged his allegiance to the NDA alliance.
This unexpected departure from the electoral fray adds a new dimension to what was initially perceived as a three-way contest. The battle for Munger is now effectively a showdown between the NDA and the RJD-Cong-led Mahagathbandhan.
After his transition to the BJP, Sanjay Singh expressed to the media that he is optimistic about Bihar's future under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
When asked about Jan Suraaj, he acknowledged its positive public reception but asserted that genuine change necessitates strong leadership, which he believes the party cannot provide.
"Given the current political landscape, I am aligning myself with the NDA to ensure their victory. I am committed to aiding their campaign, and I am confident they will secure a significant win," he stated.
His party switch has drastically altered the electoral dynamics in Munger. Locals now view the contest as a direct competition between the NDA and the Grand Alliance, rather than a triangular race.
This move is a substantial setback for Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, which is facing challenges in maintaining its candidates ahead of the elections. Notably, three Jan Suraaj candidates had previously withdrawn their nominations in October.
The last-minute switch is likely to spark a war of words between the BJP and Jan Suraaj, with the latter accusing the former of coercing its candidates to step down.
Previously, the Jan Suraaj chief had claimed that the BJP was resorting to pressure tactics to prevent their candidates from participating in the elections, fearing the new party's connection with the electorate.
The campaign period concluded on Tuesday for 121 Assembly seats across 18 districts for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections. Voting is set for Thursday.