Bhubaneswar: Poll bugle has been sounded in Jharkhand and the Election Commission has already announced the schedule for the Assembly polls. Now, political observers wonder whether Odisha Governor Raghubar Das will contest the upcoming elections and return to active politics in Jharkhand. There have been speculations in recent past about the possibility of Raghubar Das stepping down as Governor and returning to political mainstream. He continues to be active in Jharkhand. BJP’s election co-in-charge for Jharkhand BImanta Biswa Sarma recently met him at Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. Das has also been holding talks with top leaders in New Delhi. All these have triggered speculations about his return to active politics.
Raghubar In Jharkhand Politics!
Will Raghubar Das contest from Jamshedpur East constituency in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand and return to the political mainstream? While speculations are rife about his return to Jharkhand politics, there seems to be some confusion over Jamshedpur East seat. Saryu Roy, who defeated Das in this Assembly seat, is now in JD(U) which is set to forge an alliance with BJP in Jharkhand. Biswa Sarma has stated that seat-sharing arrangement is in final phase. All eyes are now set to know whether Jamshedpur East seat will go to BJP or JD (U). This seat happens to be Raghubar’s traditional constituency. One has to wait to know whether Saryu Roy or Raghubar will contest from the seat.
OBC Vote Bank
Voters belonging to other backward classes (OBC) form sizeable section of the electorate in Jharkhand and Raghubar Das has considerable influence on them. Voters belonging to Teli-Sahu sections constitute 22 to 24 per cent of OBCs and they have been extending support to BJP in recent elections. Observers are of the view that BJP will be able to get the support of these voters if Raghubar Das returns to Jharkhand politics. If Raghubar continues to remain Odisha Governor, he would not be able to take active part in electioneering and political activities. Therefore, there is considerable pressure on Raghubar to return to active politics. Many of his supporters are also meeting him in Raj Bhavan.
Return Path Not So Smooth For Raghubar!
It may not be an easy move for Raghubar to return to Jharkhand politics. Saryu Roy factor makes it confusing for him to contest from his traditional Jamshedpur East Assembly seat. Moreover, Raghubar may not be able to get the same leadership status that he enjoyed earlier as Babulal Marandi seems to have got a free hand in Jharkhand state BJP. Marandi has become the face of BJP in Jharkhand after Raghubar became Odisha Governor and Arjun Munda was made Union Minister. Former Chief Minister Champai Soren is also in BJP now. Therefore, Raghubar will have to face many competitors if he returns to Jharkhand politics.
Raghubar was elected as MLA five times from Jamshedpur East. In 2019, Raghubar was defeated by BJP rebel Saryu Roy, who contested as an independent candidate. Therefore, no one knows whether BJP will entirely rely on Raghubar. Even if he resigns as Governor and returns to active politics, BJP may not make him the CM face.