Jamshedpur to witness big ballot bout

JAMSHEDPUR: Jamshedpur is all set to witness an interesting electoral battle with the entry of former chief minister and leader of the opposition Arjun Munda in the fray. Besides Munda, the other main contestants in the steel city are JMM���s Suman Mahto and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha���s (JVM) Arvind Kumar Singh alias Malkhan Singh, who has considerable clout in some pockets of the constituency. Former MP Shailendra Mahto is also trying his luck on the All Jharkhand Students��� Union (AJSU) ticket.

Suman Mahto, the widow of Sunil Mahto, who was killed by suspected extremists in 2007, had won the byelections the same year, riding the sympathy vote. But this time around, she is finding it difficult to retain the seat, primarily because of her inability to win over all sections of the society in the steel city, which is known for its cosmopolitan culture.

"Moreover, there is infighting going on within the local JMM unit. Many of the Mahto leaders are not happy with her sudden rise. What has added to her woes is the absence of star campaigner Shibu Soren from electioneering as he is hospitalized in New Delhi," said a political observer.

Suman Mahto, however, says she hasn���t got much time to serve the people as MP. "I have initiated several steps for the welfare of the people. But, many works are incomplete. If I am elected this time, I will try to complete these unfinished initiatives," she says.

On the other hand, the BJP is encashing the pro-industry image of Arjun Munda. "It was Arjun Munda, who, during his tenure as the chief minister, renewed the land lease of Tata Steel. It was he who took several steps for industrialization in the state. He signed MoUs with different companies for setting up their plants here," said a local BJP leader.

Arvind Singh is all set to give a tough fight to both JMM and BJP. A former MLA in the Bihar assembly, he enjoys considerable clout, especially in the neighbouring areas of Jamshedpur. AJSU���s Shailendra Mahto, who enjoys support in the Kurmi community, can turn out to be ���votekatwa��� for the Suman Mahto, which will ultimately help the BJP.