Namdhari whose darling

BJP, JD(U) try to rope in Namdhari for LS poll

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Monday, November 24, 2008

Two of the NDA allies in Jharkhand — the BJP and the JDU — are trying to rope in the independent MLA from Daltongang, Inder Singh Namdhari, in their party fold, and both parties want to field him from Chatra parliamentary constituency for the forthcoming Lok Sabha election.

Well-placed sources in the BJP revealed that the name of Namdhari has already figured as party candidate from Chatra in the list of the party candidates that the Jharkhand BJP sent to its Central high command for final approval.

The speculation of JD(U) too willing to net in Namdhari in its fold gained ground after the meting of the working committee of State JD(U) where party demanded six parliamentary seats from BJP to contest next LS poll which included Chatra also. Commenting over it, a senior party leader said that JD(U) was willing to field Namdhari from Chatra provided the erstwhile party leader makes his comeback in the party.

Interestingly for both the parties, Namdhari is a sure sort candidate who could manage electoral victory of party. However, Namdhari, who was recently selected as the best MLA on the 8th foundation year of Jharkhand Assembly did not disclose the future course of his action. Talking to The Pioneer correspondent, Namdhari said: "I will disclose this thing after two months whether I will be a BJP candidate or will go with JD(U)."

Will Namdhari move to JD(U), the party that he left in the past? The sources close to him said that Namdhari had some parley over this issue with the central leadership of the JD(U).Sources confided that he was not willing to move in JD(U) fold even though the central leadership of JD(U) wants him to take rein of the party during the next LS elections.

BJP would be a safe option for Namdhari than JD(U) at a time when BJP is not willing to share seat with JD(U) for the next general elections.Trying to put a lid over the speculation of Namdhari's re-entry in the party and he becoming a party candidate from Chatra, JD(U) State president Jaleswar Mahto said: "This is not in my knowledge whether party is trying for his comeback or not… to the best of my knowledge, we have not discussed his candidature and any proposal as such." He further said that party had a lot of good candidates from Chatra.

Music, dance echo Assembly Day

Vijay Deo Jha RanchiSaturday, November 22, 2008

Music and dance had a perfect date with audience on the sprawling campus of Jharkhand State Assembly on the eve of the 8th foundation year of the House. It was also a rare occasion; leaders of the State, general public spent their time with artistes while enjoying soft and soothing melodies out of the hustle bustle of the politics.

The programme which continued till late in the night, the tribal culture of Jharkhand was its best display. The artist and dancing groups who flocked here presented the tribal dance such as Mardraj Thumar. This dance which is mainly performed by male narrated the martial tradition of the Jharkhand tribals and their struggle for imperial subjugation.

Swaying and gyrating on the leitmotif of flutes and high drum-beats the troupe gave a vivid picture of the tribal life.

It was time of another tribal dance, Chhau where the performer with swift acrobatic movement of their body got the laurel. Narrating the mythical war between Goddess Durga and demon, the artistes gave the audience a chance to feel the tribal ethnicity from a close quarter.

The State Government had specially invited the noted exponent of Indian music such as Jaiprakash Churasia, the finalist of TV show 'SAREGAMA' Poonam Yadav, Amit Sana of Indian Idol, noted gazal singer Chand Raja and Puja Chhtarjee to give a live performance the commemorate the occasion.

The pandal was jam-packed with audience who could be seen firmly placed in their seats, were waiting for a night of gazal. Gazals make its impact in its late night performance. The cherished moment came with a soft note of Chand Raja Ham tere sahar me aaye hai musafir ki tarah, sirf ikbaar mulakat ka mauka de do with which the night of gazal started.

Governor Syed Sibte Razi, Chief Minister Shibu Soren along with ministers and officials of the State Government were present during the programme.

Jharkhand JD(U) to ask 6 LS seats from BJP

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Friday, November 21, 2008

Janta Dal United would lay claim over at least six parliamentary constituencies in Jharkhand for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

It is likely to be discussed in the meeting of its working committee scheduled to be held on Friday in Ranchi. It is despite the fact NDA faced fiasco in Jharkhand in the last general elections, when both the parties fought elections separately JD(U) is learnt to have made up its mind to contest elections. It would be decided by the central leadership of NDA after assembly elections in five states.

Even though the State BJP has made its intention known to contest all the parliamentary seats leaving no constituency for JDU, it would claim for that, the sources in the party said. The party is likely to claim over Dhanbad, Giridiha, Chatra, Palamu, Khunti and Godda where it wants to field its candidates during the forthcoming general elections.

One should remember the seat sharing exercise between BJP and JDU during the last general elections when BJP declined to leave seats for JDU. It led to a friendly contest between BJP and JDU in six five parliamentary constituencies including Giridiha, Chatra, Palamu, Godda and Khunti. Well-placed sources in the party said: "JDU would at least stake claim over Dhanbad and Chatra even knowing in advance that big brother, BJP would hardly entertain the claim."

Mahto might six out of 13 constituencies in Jharkhand there are the voices within the party which find fault stating that with five MLAs in the State Assembly including Ramesh singh Munda who died this year the claim holds little water.

Mahto is more interested in Dhanbad as he has been nourishing a political ambition to enter into the corridor of Parliament as an MP besides Chatra the party hopes to field the erstwhile party MLA and stalwart Indersingh Namdhari. Namdhari is also in the wish list of BJP- the party also mulling to adopt him party fold.

As far as the claim of the party for Giridiha constituency is concerned it has still to find a suitable candidate to take on Teklal Mahto of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. The working meet is slated to discuss the strategy of the party during the elections and might take some major decisions to strengthen the party.

This Lakra siblings

Chak De spirit chugs off Lakra siblings of Jharkhand

Vijay Deo Jha Ranchi Monday, November 17, 2008

The Lakra siblings of Jharkhand have a unique distinction in the field of hockey. The fact might surprise many as surname has until now produced four international hockey players - Bimal Lakra, Birendra Lakra, Asanti Lakra and the eldest Binay Lakra, who have played for India at various levels.

It was a sheer coincidence that the Sports Authority of India (SAI) spotted this pool of talent during a Khassi (goat) tribal hockey tournament at Simdega, where they were playing the tournament with bamboo sticks. But, skilful dribbling, smart manoeuvring, dodging and killing spirit instantly won the attention for them.

They got persistent training in SAI and developed their skill which made them competent enough to represent the country. Bimal and Birendra have been playing for India's senior team, Asanti is a member of the women's team while Binay has participated in Asian school tournament from the country.

Birendra was the centre-half of the team, which however ended up as runner up in the Sultan Azlan Shah Tournament in Malaysia. This lanky star, however, rued the fact that despite winning laurels for the country, hockey associations have remained negligent. "We are playing for the country but we remain incognito…we still trying to get attention," Birendra said.

"No, Government cannot be blamed for this but, the associations' officials as when I returned from Malaysia no one was there to receive me at the airport," said this 23-year-old star who studies in Gossner College.

Birendra is one of the tribal talents who initially thought that playing hockey would earn him a job. And his perseverance has not only found him an India cap but an employment in the Indian Airlines as well. His brother Bimal Lakra won the country Asia Cup.

But Birendra is also not happy with the way team is selected. "Look at other teams like South Korea and Argentina which have been consistent with the same team for years. In fact, being part of the team for longer period allows a player to understand the strategy and one gets acclimatised with other team players as well which is necessary for a good team composition," he opined. Birendra will be leaving for Bengaluru on June 10 to join the camp ahead of a series with Russia.

His sister Asanti reckons their achievement would inspire budding talents of the state. But, the fact of the matter is that, in gifted Lakras, still many year of Hockey is left there and they need to be propped up for more international exposures. Is any body there to listen to them in post-Gill fiasco?