Dumri, September 1: The political landscape in Jharkhand is gearing up for a significant showdown as the Election Commission of India issued the notification on August 8 for the Dumri assembly by-election. With the election date set for September 5, for a high-stakes political battle. The by-election has been necessitated by the untimely demise of the former Education Minister, Jagarnath Mahato, on April 6 earlier this year.

The results of the polling will be revealed on September 8. A total of 24 rounds of vote counting will be conducted on 16 counting tables at the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee in Pachhambha, Giridih. As the political landscape gears up for the impending election day, let's delve into the key contenders and their backgrounds.

Bebi Devi: Representing Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)

Bebi Devi, wife of the late four-time MLA and former Jharkhand Education Minister, Jagarnath Mahato, is the candidate fielded by the INDIA Alliance's JMM. Having been a dedicated homemaker, she stepped into the political arena by taking an oath as a minister on July 3. Bebi Devi, a mother of four daughters and a son, has gradually emerged as a prominent face in the JMM party after her husband's demise. Notably, her eldest son, Akhilesh Mahato alias Raju, has been actively participating in the party's activities alongside her. Puthuppally Assembly By-Elections 2023: Kerala BJP to Field Kottayam District President G Lijinlal for Upcoming Bypoll.

Yashoda Devi: AJSU Party Contender

Yashoda Devi, nominated by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is no stranger to the political landscape of Dumri. She is the widow of the late Damodar Mahato, a JDU leader in unified Bihar. Yashoda Devi contested the 2019 assembly elections from Dumri on an AJSU Party ticket, securing the second position. With a history of serving as the head of Dumri and currently holding a position as a Panchayat Samiti member, Yashoda Devi brings both experience and familiarity to her campaign. Tripura Assembly By-Elections 2023: EC Team Holds Meetings in Tripura To Review Preparations for Bypolls on September 5.

Md Abdul Mobin Rizvi: AIMIM's Entry

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has fielded Md Abdul Mobin Rizvi for the Dumri bypoll. This move sets the stage for a three-way contest, adding another layer of complexity to the election dynamics. However, Rizvi's campaign has been marred by controversy after an alleged 'pro-Pakistan' slogan was raised during a public rally of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on August 30. The incident has led to case being filed against Abdul Mobin Rizvi at Dumri Police Station

Independents in the Race

Beyond the major party candidates, the Dumri by-election also sees the participation of three independent contenders namely Roshan Lal Turi, Kamal Prasad Sahu, and Narayan Giri. While their political affiliations may be less established, their presence adds an element of unpredictability to the election outcome.

Ensuring Transparent and Peaceful Elections

Chief Electoral Officer K K Ravi Kumar has underlined the Election Commission's commitment to conducting a peaceful, clean, and fearless polling process. As part of this endeavour, all polling stations will be subject to online monitoring at the central, state, and district levels through webcasting. Additional surveillance will be provided by cameras outside polling stations to oversee activities. Notably, to maintain the sanctity of the voting process, media outlets are prohibited from publishing any election-related matter, including opinion polls, during the 48-hour period leading up to the poll's closure.

As the Dumri by-election nears, the region remains abuzz with political activities, speculations, and the anticipation of its electoral outcome. The forthcoming days are bound to be crucial in determining the direction the constituency takes in its representation and governance.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2023 10:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).