Ranchi: The last Lok Sabha election of Khunti was thrilling and with bated breath counting every single vote. BJP came out of trouble on this seat. In a tough contest, Arjun Munda had won over Congress candidate Kalicharan Munda by just 1445 votes. After independence, this seat was dominated by Jharkhand Party till 1980. BJP, with the help of its veteran leader Kadiya Munda, gained control over this seat. Kadiya Munda established such political influence on the land of Khunti in the year 1989 that BJP is reaping the electoral harvest till date. Kadiya Munda won this seat seven times till 2014. Kadiya’s political influence was such that it became difficult for any party to uproot the BJP in Khunti. He continued to win from 1989 to 2014, losing only once in the year 2004. Lotus may not have bloomed on every seat in the Lok Sabha elections, but Kadiya did not let the lotus wither here. At present, BJP has faith only in the fielding of Union Minister Arjun Munda on Khunti. Union Minister Shri Munda is also completely active in the development of the area. There is direct communication with the workers and supporters of Khunti. He keeps an eye on every problem of the area. Despite all the busyness as a Union Minister, he is not making any mistake in the siege of Khunti.
Balamuchu is lobbying for ticket
On the other hand, in the political circles of BJP, the claim of Neelkanth Singh Munda, who was five-time MLA from Khunti, on this seat comes to the fore from time to time. Last time also there was talk of Neelkanth Singh Munda contesting the elections. On the other hand, senior party leader Kalicharan Munda has been a strong contender in Congress. In the last elections, Kalicharan had made BJP suffer. Kalicharan is continuously standing in the area. Pradeep Balmuchu, former state president of Congress, is in his way this time. Mr. Balmuchu is lobbying for ticket from Khunti. A camp of Congress is working for him in Khunti. He has also registered his presence by organizing many programs in Khunti. Pradeep Balmuchu has faith in the consolidation of votes of a particular section. A camp in Congress is also projecting Dayamani Barla. Abu Jharkhand Party wants to field Jayant Jaipal Singh Munda, son of Jaipal Singh Munda of Marang Gomke. Relan Horo, son of NE Horo, is the leader of this party. NE Horo’s party Jharkhand Party is being run by former minister Enos Ekka. Jhapa has a good hold on a special pocket in Khunti Lok Sabha. Jhapa from Khunti can have an impact on the election equation. There is a buzz in Khunti that Enos Ekka may field a member of his family from Jhapa.
flash back
2019: Lok Sabha elections
BJP: Arjun Munda – 382638
Congress: Kalicharan Munda- 381193
2014: Lok Sabha elections
BJP: Kadiya Munda- 269185
Jharkhand Party: Enos Ekka: 176937
Out of six assembly seats, BJP on two, Congress-JMM on four.
There are six assembly seats in Khunti Lok Sabha. Presently BJP has control over two of them. At the same time, the ruling coalition has four seats. BJP won Torpa and Khunti assembly seats. Kharsanwa and Tamar are with JMM, while Simdega and Kolebira are held by Congress. To win in the Lok Sabha, parties will have to change the equation of victory and defeat in the Assembly.