The BJP is facing internal criticism over allegations of nepotism in its ticket distribution for the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand. Despite the party’s usual stance against dynasty politics, several prominent leaders’ relatives have been awarded tickets, causing discontent among party members. Notable individuals include:
- Meera Munda, wife of former Chief Minister Arjun Munda
- Babulal Soren, son of former CM Champai Soren
- Purnima Das, daughter-in-law of former CM Raghubar Das
This has sparked dissatisfaction within the party, with some members like Louis Marandi, a former BJP leader, switching sides to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and Sandeep Verma voicing concerns about the fairness of the ticket distribution.
Interestingly, similar accusations of promoting family members are also prevalent in JMM and Congress. Chief Minister Hemant Soren is part of a political dynasty, benefiting from the legacy of his father, Shibu Soren, and his wife and brother are also likely to contest. Other instances of family favoritism are visible in both parties, with various relatives of deceased or senior politicians being positioned to contest elections, underscoring that this practice cuts across party lines in the state.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, co-incharge of the Jharkhand elections, has defended the BJP’s decisions, saying the tickets to these individuals were based on prior commitments or the fact that their prominent relatives were not contesting the elections themselves. Despite this, the controversy has stirred internal tensions within the party.
