The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has finalized its candidate for the Ghatshila Assembly by-election in Jharkhand, selecting Babulal Soren. The decision was formally communicated through a letter issued by BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh. Babulal Soren, a familiar face in Ghatshila politics and the son of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, is set to represent the party in this crucial by-election.
This election is poised to feature a direct contest between the BJP and the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). In the previous state elections of 2019, Ramdas Soren of the JMM had defeated Babulal Soren. The Election Commission has announced that polling will take place on November 11th, followed by the counting of votes on November 14th. Aspiring candidates have until October 21st to submit their nominations, with October 24th being the last date for withdrawing candidature. Over 300 polling stations are being set up across the constituency.
Located in Jharkhand, the Ghatshila Assembly constituency is designated for Scheduled Tribe candidates. The electoral roll comprises 2,55,823 voters, with a slight majority of 1,30,921 female voters compared to 1,24,899 male voters and 3 transgender voters. The vacancy occurred due to the unfortunate demise of JMM MLA Ramdas Soren. The BJP’s strategic fielding of Babulal Soren underscores their intent to win this reserved seat. The JMM has not yet declared their nominee.