Ranchi, June 5: The Congress party has nominated Pranav Jha, AICC secretary and political advisor to party president Mallikarjun Kharge, as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha elections from Jharkhand. This decision has sparked discontent within the party ranks. Former MP and senior leader Furkan Ansari publicly expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that the sentiments of long-serving leaders and workers have been overlooked.
In a response shared on social media, Ansari emphasized his lifelong commitment to strengthening the Congress organization and uniting society. He expressed that while he is not upset about not receiving a position, he feels pained by the neglect of decades of dedication and struggle. Ansari highlighted that his feelings reflect those of thousands of workers who have tirelessly served the party over the years. Nevertheless, he made it clear that he remains a soldier of the Congress.
The Rajya Sabha elections for two seats from Jharkhand are scheduled for June 18. Congress officially announced Pranav Jha as its candidate late Thursday night. However, many legislators and leaders within the Jharkhand Congress have voiced their discontent regarding his nomination. Alarmingly, even 12 hours after the announcement, there were no congratulatory messages or well-wishes from the state unit or any prominent leaders.
On the other hand, Pranav Jha expressed gratitude towards the Congress leadership upon his nomination. He thanked Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, K.C. Venugopal, Jharkhand in-charge K. Raju, state president Keshav Mahto, and Chief Minister Hemant Soren. He stated that he aims to live up to the trust placed in him as someone from a humble background.
Originally from Bhagalpur district in Bihar, Jha completed his early education and upbringing in Bokaro. The Congress is attempting to present him as a local face connected to Jharkhand. However, the selection has ignited a debate in political circles about “local versus outsider.”
The Congress holds 16 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly and will require the support of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and other allies from the INDIA bloc to secure victory in the Rajya Sabha elections. If all coalition parties lend their support, he could be elected to the Rajya Sabha.
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