Marandi out, BJP hunts for Hemant Soren den pick

RANCHI/DUMKA: Exit of veteran BJP neta from Santhal Parganas, Lois Marandi, from the party and her aligning with governing JMM Monday has put the saffron camp in a tight spot in Jharkhand ahead of the assembly polls. BJP is seemingly struggling to spot a credible face to field in Barhait, to take on incumbent MLA and outgoing CM Hemant Soren from there.

Miffed after denial of ticket, Lois, who served BJP for two decades, met Hemant at his residence to don JMM colours. Although JMM is yet to announce her candidature, it is believed that she is likely to fight from Jama constituency in Dumka. On a possible lack of face in Barhait, Jharkhand election co-in-charge Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "We have three potential options and will name the candidate at the right time."


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