Jharkhand Local Body Elections 2026: Former MLA Sanjeev Singh Files Nomination Against BJP-Backed Candidate in Dhanbad, Party Chief Issues Warning

Dhanbad, Jharkhand: As the Jharkhand local body elections approach, political lines are already being drawn despite the polls being officially non-partisan. While major parties like the BJP have announced their support for certain candidates, internal divisions within the party have come to the fore.

On the final day for nominations, former Jharkhand MLA Sanjeev Singh, husband of Jharkhand BJP legislator Ragini Singh, filed his nomination against BJP-backed candidate Sanjeev Agrawal in Dhanbad. In addition, BJP leaders Mukesh Pandey and Bhrigunath Bhagat also submitted their nomination papers for the mayoral post.

Meanwhile, former Dhanbad Mayor Chandra Shekhar Agrawal, who recently joined the JMM in Dumka in the presence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is contesting as a JMM-supported candidate after leaving the BJP.

BJP Leadership Reacts

Responding to the nominations by Sanjeev Singh and other BJP leaders, Jharkhand BJP state president Aditya Sahu said that while the elections are non-partisan and anyone can contest, the party will not tolerate indiscipline. He added that the party would review the situation after the withdrawal of nominations.

Candidates Rally Support

Former MLA Sanjeev Singh filed his nomination along with his supporters on Wednesday. About two hours later, BJP-backed Sanjeev Agrawal submitted his nomination at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, with key party leaders including state president Aditya Sahu, Dhanbad MP Dhullu Mahto, and MLA Raj Sinha in attendance. Thousands of BJP workers were also present to show their support.

On His Campaign, Sanjeev Singh Said:

“My family has long served the people of the Koelanchal region. I am contesting the mayoral elections for the benefit of the public, with Dhanbad’s overall development as my main focus,” he said. Asked about contesting independently from the party, Singh added, “Since the municipal elections are non-partisan, it makes no difference. Anyone is free to contest.”