JMM releases third list, Mahua named from Ranchi

RANCHI: The JMM on Wednesday announced candidates in six more assembly segments, taking its tally of seats to 41. However, it did not announce name Jama (ST) seat, held by CM Hemant Soren 's sister-in-law Sita since 2009 until she moved to the BJP before Lok Sabha election earlier this year.

Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji was fielded in Ranchi against BJP's CP Singh, who is seeking a seventh consecutive term this time. Maji, elected to the Upper House in 2022, fought in the seat in 2014 and 2019. She lost to Singh by 5,900 votes five years ago. Maji will file her nomination papers Thursday.

Outgoing MLAs Sukhram Oraon and Jiga Susaran Horo were fielded from their seats - Chakradharpur (ST) and Sisai (ST) respectively. Renegade MLA Chamra Linda, who defied party's diktat and contested independently from Lohardaga (ST) seat in this year's Lok Sabha elections, was handed ticket of Bishunpur (ST) in Gumla district. Snehlata Khandulna was fielded from Khunti (ST), while Yogendra Prasad was named from Gomia in Bokaro district.

JMM had on Tuesday announced candidates to 35 seats. With nomination window for the second phase of election to 38 seats beginning Wednesday, Soren and his wife Kalpana are expected to file their papers on Thursday.

Hemant is seeking a third term from Barhait (ST) seat in Sahibganj while Kalpana is eyeing a full-term from Gandey.