As the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates looms, the political landscape is in flux. Hazaribagh MP, Jayant Sinha, has expressed his desire to step away from direct electoral duties to focus on combating global climate change. In a statement posted on ‘X,’ Sinha affirmed his commitment to addressing environmental challenges in India and worldwide, while still pledging to work with his party on economic and governance issues.
Speculations Arise in Hazaribagh
Following Sinha’s announcement, the political spotlight, particularly on social media, abruptly shifted to Hazaribagh. Speculations abound regarding potential candidates, with Giridih MP from AJSU-P, Chandra Prakash Chaudhary, emerging as a prominent figure. Chaudhary, a former MLA of Ramgarh and a member of the Mahto community, holds significant influence in the Hazaribagh Parliamentary Constituency, particularly in Ramgarh and surrounding assembly constituencies.
The discussions have also intensified regarding the scenario where Chaudhary sets his sights on Hazaribagh, leaving Giridih’s candidate selection up in the air.
Chaudhary’s Potential Candidacy
With Hazaribagh being a stronghold for Chandra Prakash Chaudhary and his community, many view him as a formidable candidate. Notably, in the 2019 Lok Sabha Election, as part of the NDA coalition, BJP relinquished the Giridih parliamentary seat to AJSU-P, a move seen as a strategic sacrifice in favor of maintaining alliance harmony. Given Chaudhary’s deep-rooted ties and popularity in the region, he stands out as a potential contender.
Party Decision is Paramount
However, Chaudhary remains diplomatic about his potential candidacy, asserting that the final decision rests with the party. He emphasises the importance of adhering to party directives and coalition principles, indicating a willingness to comply with the collective decision-making process. Chaudhary said “Mere Taraf Se koi davedary nahi hai, jo party ya gathbandhn tai karenga wahi hoga”.
BJP’s Quest for Giridih Candidate
Discussions have heightened concerning the situation in which Chaudhary targets Hazaribagh, leaving Giridih’s candidate selection uncertain. In Giridih, a BJP stronghold with significant Mahto and Kayastha votes. Amidst internal deliberations, several individuals have emerged as potential contenders, including Office Secretary of BJP Parliamentary Party, Shivshakti Bakshi, Former MP Ravindra Pandey, and Former MLA Nirbhay Shahabadi.
Dr. Shiv Shakti Bakshi’s Profile
Among these contenders, Dr. Shiv Shakti Bakshi garners attention due to his political acumen and close ties with senior BJP leadership. His candidacy is contextualized within the broader political discourse, characterised by debates surrounding local versus outsider representation, as well as historical analogies such as the ‘1932 Khatiani’ incident.
Kayastha Community’s Demand
With Jayant Sinha opting out of the parliamentary election, the Kayastha community, a significant voting bloc in Hazaribagh and Giridih, demands representation. As former ministers like Ravi Shankar Prasad and Jayant Sinha recede from the forefront, the Kayastha Sanghthan calls upon the party high command to nominate candidates from their community in these crucial parliamentary constituencies.
“BJP Party high command should place Kayastha candidate at least in Hazaribagh or Giridih parliamentary constituencies,” said Bhaiya Pritam, general secretary of Kayastha wing in state.
