CPI(ML) Liberation Announces Candidates for Jharkhand Elections and Bypolls in Bihar, Bengal, and Rajasthan

The CPI(ML) has announced its candidates for the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand as well as legislative by-elections in Bihar, West Bengal, and Rajasthan.

Jharkhand Assembly Elections

In Jharkhand, the CPI(ML) is contesting four seats – Bagodar, Nirsa, Sindri, and Dhanwar. While releasing the manifesto for the state elections, CPI(ML) Jharkhand state secretary Comrade Manoj Bhakt emphasised the importance of defeating the BJP to safeguard the people and public resources of the state, which he accused the Modi-BJP regime of wanting to exploit for the benefit of corporate cronies.

Comrade Arup Chatterjee, a former MLA from Nirsa (Dhanbad) and a member of the CPI(ML) Central Committee, is contesting from Nirsa. Comrade Vinod is the candidate for the Bagodar seat, a constituency CPI(ML) has held since 1990, with the exception of a narrow defeat in 2014. Comrade Mahendra Singh represented Bagodar until his assassination after filing his nomination for the 2005 Assembly elections, the first election following the formation of the state. Comrade Vinod Singh has represented the seat since 2005, apart from the 2014-2019 interval.

In his last election speech just days before his assassination, Comrade Mahendra Singh described the CPI(ML)'s connection to the people of Bagodar as a familial relationship rather than an electoral transaction.

CPI(ML) leader Comrade Chandradev Mahato will be contesting from Sindri as part of the CPI(ML)-INDIA alliance, aiming to advance the struggle for the rights and dignity of the people of Jharkhand.

Former CPI(ML) MLA Comrade Rajkumar Yadav is contesting from Dhanwar. In 2014, he defeated Babulal Marandi of the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha. However, in 2019, Babulal Marandi reclaimed the seat while Rajkumar Yadav finished a close third behind the BJP candidate. Following his victory over the BJP, Babulal Marandi re-joined the BJP, betraying the people's mandate. It is notable that the JMM has fielded a candidate in Dhanwar, despite having finished sixth in 2019. The other three seats fall under the INDIA alliance. Elections for all these seats will take place in the second phase on 20 November.

By-elections in Bihar

In the Tarari by-election, CPI(ML) leader Comrade Raju Yadav is the candidate supported by the CPI(ML)-INDIA alliance. Born on 19 January 1982 in Gorpa village, Agiaon block, Comrade Raju Yadav grew up amidst the revolutionary struggle in Bhojpur. During his college days in Arrah, he joined the All-India Students’ Association (AISA), affiliated with CPI(ML), and quickly became popular among students. In 2010, Raju Yadav became the state president of AISA and later served as the state president of the Revolutionary Youth Association (RYA). Currently, he works with the All India Kisan Mahasabha (AIKM). In 2018, he was elected as a member of the party’s Central Committee during its 10th Congress held in Mansa, Punjab.

The assembly seat became vacant after the sitting MLA and CPI(ML) leader Sudama Prasad won the Ara Lok Sabha seat, defeating the BJP’s RK Singh.

By-elections in West Bengal and Rajasthan

In the West Bengal by-election, CPI(ML) leader Comrade Debajyoti Mazumdar is contesting from the Naihati Assembly Constituency, supported by the Left Front. In Rajasthan, CPI(ML) leader Comrade Shankar Lal Meena is the candidate for the Salumbar (ST) assembly by-election.