Dhanbad: Party workers across the political spectrum are refusing to step back from the race for the mayoral post in the upcoming Dhanbad municipal elections despite repeated attempts by political parties to enforce discipline and streamline candidate selection. Defying party directives, aspirants are increasingly choosing to contest independently or press their claims, turning the mayoral contest into a crowded and complex political battle.JMM leader Vinod Pandey said, “The party has extended its support to Neelam Mishra. If any other member files a nomination against the party’s decision, it would be considered an act of indiscipline and activity beyond the party line.”But JMM leader and Tundi MLA Mathura Mahato’s son, Dinesh Mahato, has announced his claim, while Debu Mahato has also emerged as a contender.Congress is witnessing a similar internal competition. Though state youth Congress president Abhijit Raj is considered the frontrunner, district president Santosh Singh, along with Shamsher Alam and Rashid Raja, is reportedly preparing to contest the election.Meanwhile, BJP has emerged as the most affected by this internal churn, with the highest number of aspirants staking claim to the mayoral ticket. Even after a week-long internal deliberation process, party workers appear unwilling to fall in line. BJP leader Chandrashekhar Agrawal has filed his nomination while Mukesh Pandey has purchased nomination papers.Several other BJP leaders, including Sanjeev Agrawal, Rajkumar Agrawal, Shantanu Chandra, and Bhrigu Nath Bhagat have publicly expressed their aspirations. There is a speculation that former Jharia MLA and BJP leader Sanjeev Singh may also contest the civic body polls. Discussions are also under way around the possible candidature of Savitri Devi, wife of Dhanbad MP and BJP leader Dulu Mahato.Dhanbad MLA Raj Sinha said, “The civic polls are not held on a party basis. Hence, anyone is free to file a nomination. Once the party gives its consent to an official candidate, all other aspirants will have to withdraw their nominations. Failing to do so would be treated as indiscipline.”Political observers note that the surge in aspirants reflects both the growing importance of the mayoral post and weakening internal control mechanisms within parties. As nomination deadlines approach, it remains to be seen whether party leaderships can rein in dissent or whether the elections will see an unprecedented number of rebels testing their political strength at the ballot box. February 6 is the last date for withdrawal of nominations.
