Jharkhand's Kolhan braces for poll showdown

BJP aims to reclaim Kolhan with key tribal leaders, but JMM dismisses impact of Champai Soren’s defection.

- TIKAM SHARMA

With just three days remaining, both, the NDA and I.N.D.I.A blocs are aiming to make a strong impact in the Kolhan region, which is set to vote in the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections on November 13. This phase will be a key test for several prominent political figures, including former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, who is running for the first time on a BJP ticket after breaking away from the JMM.

Similarly, Saryu Rai is contesting for the first time under the Janata Dal United banner.

The Kolhan region, situated in southeastern Jharkhand, encompasses three crucial districts: West Singhbhum, Saraikela Kharsawan, and East Singhbhum. With 14 Assembly seats, namely Baharagora, Ghatshila (ST), Potka (ST), Jugsalai (SC), Jamshedpur East, Jamshedpur West, Ichagarh, Saraikela (ST), Chaibasa (ST), Majhgaon (ST), Jagannathpur (ST), Manoharpur (ST), Chakradharpur (ST), and Kharsawan (ST).