After Congress defeat, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha eyes more Lok Sabha seats

Following the Congress's defeat in assembly polls in four states, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leaders are advocating contesting all the 14 Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand on their own instead of going in alliance with the Congress.

JMM is ruling the state with Congress support and both the parties had agreed to fight the Lok Sabha elections together. As per the understanding, Congress will fight on 10 seats and JMM on four seats.

JMM leaders met in Ranchi December 8 to discuss the issue.

"There is a popular perception in the party to fight on all the seats. Our district level leaders are of the view that the party should fight on at least seven to eight seats in alliance or go alone in Lok Sabha polls," a JMM leader said.

Party chief Shibu Soren will take the final decision on the issue.

Earlier, on a few occasions, Shibu Soren had said the party would fight on at least seven Lok Sabha seats. The matter seemed to be settled after Chief Minister Hemant Soren, son of Shibu Soren, finalised a 10-4 deal with the Congress for the Lok Sabha polls.

Meanwhile, the Congress stressed the party would fight on ten seats as per the agreement.

"The 10-4 formula was decided during formation of the state government. The four states polls would have no impact on Jharkhand politics," Jharkhand Congress spokesperson Shailesh Sinha said.