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The All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) Party has announced its initial slate of eight candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections. This announcement comes amidst reports of discontent within the party regarding the seat-sharing agreement with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As per the agreement, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the AJSU Party, the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJP), has allocated 10 seats to AJSU, 2 seats to JD(U), and 1 seat to LJP. The BJP, the dominant partner in the NDA, will contest the remaining 68 seats.
Leading the AJSU Party's campaign, Sudesh Mahto will seek re-election from his traditional constituency of Silli. Senior leader Lambodar Mahto will be contesting from the Gomia Assembly seat. The party has also fielded Sunita Chaudhary, wife of Giridih MP Chandraprakash Chaudhary, in the Ramgarh constituency. Neeru Shanti Bhagat, spouse of former MLA Kamal Kishore Bhagat, will be vying for the Lohardaga seat.
Other notable candidates include sitting MLA Ram Chandra Sahis who has been nominated for the Jugsalai constituency and Nirmal Mahto contesting from Mandu. Harelal Mahto will be representing the AJSU Party in the Ichagarh constituency, while Ajhar Islam will be contesting from Pakur. The AJSU Party, although a relatively smaller player in the Jharkhand political landscape, has historically played a significant role in influencing election outcomes, particularly in the tribal-dominated regions of the state.