Mahagatbandhan announcement next week: Jharkhand Congress chief

RANCHI: The Jharkhand State Congress president Rameshwar Oraon on Saturday said that the final layout of the proposed Mahagatbandhan (grand alliance) in Jharkhand for the assembly election is expected to be announced next week. After a hiatus, Oraon along with his party leaders, met JMM working president Hemant Soren at the latter’s residence on Friday.
On the side lines of a programme at state party office, Oraon said, “Things are in final stages, except on few seats.The template is more or less ready. I think, we should be making a formal announcement before poll bugle is sounded. Expect the announcement by end of this month only.”
Oraon also inducted two leaders into the party fold on the occasion. Arun Sahu, son of late Tileshwar Sahu, a noted leader of Teli community, joined along with his supporters from Barhi. From Hazaribag, a doctor turned social worker RC Prasad donned the Congress colours. Notably, two days back, the party suffered a dent after its two sitting MLAs — Sukhdeo Bhagat (Lohardaga) and Manoj Yadav (Barhi) went to the BJP.
Oraon reiterated that the defection won’t impact Congress in assembly polls. “The two new leaders who joined us are influential in their areas. Those who have gone may now be worried after the verdict of Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections,” Oraon mocked talking to TOI.
Asked whether all the grand alliance constituencies will remain intact, Oraon sounded optimistic. “Congress is clear of fighting in alliance. So is JMM and RJD. JVM-P is on board so far while we are trying to accommodate Left as well,” he said.