The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) former Jharkhand state President Tala Marandi resigned from the party and joined the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Friday (April 11). Tala Marandi formally joined JMM in the presence of Chief Minister Hemant Soren during a programme commemorating the birth anniversary of Hul Kranti heroes Sido and Kanhu in Barhait of the Sahibganj district. CM Soren welcomed him into the JMM fold by draping the party sash over his shoulders. Senior party leaders, including Rajmahal MP Vijay Hansda and MLA Kalpana Soren, were also present at the event today.
"Hearty welcome and Johar to former State President of BJP and former MLA of Borio Shri Tala Marandi ji along with his supporters in the JMM family," JMM posted on X.
Who is Tala Marandi?
Tala Marandi was the BJP candidate from the Rajmahal Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 elections but had faced defeat. Following this, he was reportedly seeking a ticket to contest the Assembly elections from the Borio constituency in the Santhal Pargana region. However, the BJP did not field him, prompting his decision to exit the party now. Marandi has also represented the Borio seat as a BJP MLA in the past. This marks the second time he has parted ways with the BJP.
In 2019, just ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly Elections, he had left the BJP to join the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) and contested from Borio on their ticket, though unsuccessfully. Marandi tendered his resignation to the BJP state President, Babulal Marandi, on the evening of April 10 (Thursday). The news of his exit became public the following day.
Tala Marandi submits resignation letter to BJP's Babulal Marandi
In his resignation letter, Tala Marandi wrote, "I, Tala Marandi, have been a dedicated member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. I am thankful for the opportunities extended to me by the party. However, due to prevailing circumstances, personal reasons, and ideological differences, I have decided to resign from the party’s primary membership and all posts. This decision has been taken after much contemplation and without any bitterness. Kindly accept my resignation and relieve me."
More details are awaited in this regard.