Jharkhand: Polls over, anxious netas head home to unwind

RANCHI: A day after the exit polls prediced a change of guard in the state, members of various parties spent their time away from public eye, relaxing and mulling over the outcome on December 23.
While most members of the Mahagathbandhan parties spent their time in nervous anticipation, their chief ministerial candidate, JMM's Hemant Soren, inspected strong rooms that hold the EVMs in Dumka and also relaxed with his family members.
Chief minister Raghubar Das on the other hand spent his time alone reading books at his official residence at Kanke. Das, expected to visit his family in Jamshedpur on Sunday, remained indoors throughout the day, probably the first day he spent by himself since September, when Union minister Amit Shah launched the Johar Jan Ashirwad Yatra.
Other BJP candidates and functionaries were closeted in informal meetings and discussions over the exit poll predictions that went contrary to the saffron brigade's prospects. BJP MP from Ranchi, Sanjay Seth, said: "We have faith only in the people's poll. All exit polls are inconsequential. We are going to win the election and this will be revealed on Monday."
After holding 182 public meetings across the state during the election season, Hemant took some time out for his family and posted photographs on Twitter, thanking the people. "I had called for a change in the state and I thank all the voters and all the JMM party workers for their unequivocal support and undying efforts," he posted Hemant also visited the strong room at Dumka to take stock of security arrangements and met with party workers during the day.
Ajsu Party president Sudesh Mahto on Friday turned to his other passion, football, after conclusion of the fifth phase of polls in Santhal Pargana. Mahto, who was touring the state for attending public meetings, roadshows and meeting chulha pramukhs meetings, spent his day at his native village Lagam in Silli. Mahto left his Ranchi's home early on Friday morning and reached his village and after spending a few hours with his family, he reached the football stadium and played with the local youths and party workers.
Talking to TOI, Mahto said on Friday: "I wanted to relax with my friends in Silli. It was a long poll campaign and now it is time to relax and focus on my health." On being asked his expectations on the election, Mahto said: "Out of the 53 seats we contested, we are in a strong position on 29. Ajsu Party will emerge as a bigger force in state politics." On the possibilities over rejuvenating the alliance with BJP, Mahto said: "We will decide our course only after the results are out." On Saturday, Mahto returned to his Ranchi residence and met with party workers during the day.