JMM MLA Dashrath Gagrai’s Brother Vijay Joins BJP, Set to Contest Municipal Council Elections

Ranchi, Jharkhand: In a major political development ahead of Jharkhand’s local body elections, Vijay Gagrai, brother of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Dashrath Gagrai, has formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Reports indicate that he is likely to contest the post of chairman in the Chakradharpur Municipal Council as a BJP-supported candidate.

Vijay Gagrai took his BJP membership at a formal ceremony held at the party office in Ranchi, in the presence of hundreds of supporters. BJP President Aditya Sahu and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi welcomed him by draping him with the party scarf.

Background
Earlier, Vijay Gagrai had sought a JMM ticket to contest the Chakradharpur assembly elections, but the party denied him the nomination. He then contested as an independent candidate, after which JMM expelled him for six years. This time, he has decided to enter the municipal council elections, now under the BJP banner. His candidature as a BJP-supported candidate for the chairman post is now almost certain.

Political Statements
Addressing the gathering, BJP President Aditya Sahu criticized the Hemant Soren government, claiming it has neglected tribal, Dalit, and backward communities, calling it “development-opposing.” He highlighted issues such as crimes against tribal youth, assaults on women, and rising kidnappings, urging BJP workers to expose the government’s failures at the grassroots.

Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi emphasized BJP’s historical role in Jharkhand’s formation and said that only BJP could ensure the state’s holistic development, warning that the public would not forgive the failures of the current government.

Vijay Gagrai expressed gratitude to the party leadership, stating that he is committed to implementing BJP policies and programs on the ground and pledged his complete dedication—physically, mentally, and financially—to party work.