JMM says it will not contest Bihar polls, accuses Congress-RJD decision of ‘political conspiracy’

The JMM, the ruling party in Jharkhand, announced on Monday that it would not contest the parliamentary elections in neighboring Bihar, saying the decision was taken following a “political conspiracy” by its allies, the RJD and the Congress, which had deprived it of seats in the Mahagathbandhan.

Speaking to reporters, JMM senior leader Sudivya Kumar said his party would review Jharkhand’s alliance with the Congress and RJD and give a befitting response to the ‘snub’.

The announcement came barely two days after the Hemant Soren-led party said it would go to Bihar alone and contest elections in six assembly segments as talks on seat-sharing failed.
“The RJD and Congress are responsible for stopping JMM from contesting the elections as part of a political conspiracy. JMM will give a befitting reply to this and review its alliance with the RJD and Congress,” Kumar, the state tourism minister, said.

The JMM on Saturday announced that it would contest the seats of Chakai, Dhamdaha, Katoria, Manihari, Jamui and Pirpainti, which are expected to go to polls in the second phase on November 11.

The deadline for submitting nominations for these seats was Monday.