Giridih, Nov. 4: The image of the Independents has taken a severe beating with former chief minister Madhu Koda facing interrogation for possessing illegal wealth and several other former ministers landing up in jail.

But that has not curbed the political ambitions of Munna Lal.

The sitting MLA of Giridih Proper has decided to join the Assembly poll fray this year as an Independent after being denied a ticket by the JMM. Lal made the announcement at a news meet today after holding a string of meetings with his supporters at his residence over the past week.

“My supporters from Giridih town, Muffassil and Pirtand, who participated in the meetings, promised to stand by me. Others have been given tickets by various political parties, but I have taken a ticket from the public,” he said.

“I had fought on a party ticket earlier, but the JMM has not given me anything. Whatever I did was from my own resources, then why should I fight on a party’s name?” he asked. Some JMM functionaries such as urban president Sanjay Sahu and block president Kandu have left the party and are working hard to ensure Lal’s victory.

“Unlike other parties, Munna bhaiya will not hold any rally. He will meet every voter. We will organise small gatherings in our constituency,” said Priyadarsi, an aide of Lal.