Jharkhand elections: Infighting, turncoats mar grand alliance dreams

The only challenge for the BJP in the state is to keep its own house in order

When Sukhdeo Bhagat, a sitting legislator and former president of the Jharkhand Congress Committee, avowed that Umang Sir (referring to Madhya Pradesh minister Umang Singhar) was like a guardian to him, the party heaved a sigh of relief. This is because Singhar has been on the job to pacify Bhagat, who has raised a revolt within the party.

The Madhya Pradesh minister, also the deputy person in charge of the Congress party’s affairs in Jharkhand, went to Bhagat’s residence in Lohardaga, and held a marathon closed-door meeting. When Singhar came out, he appeared unmoved while Bhagat seemed excited. “Besides family,