Bahadur: In-charge again?

Ranchi, June 8: To cash in on his rich experience in Jharkhand politics, the Congress high command is thinking of re-appointing Harikesh Bahadur as in-charge of the state affairs. At present, he is a Congress Working Committee member.

The party, sources said, believes that Jharkhand is likely to witness a political upheaval in the near future in the wake of Babulal Marandi floating a regional front and also the office of profit issue.

And in case of any eventuality, Bahadur, who has a better feel of the state?s political pulse, will be the best person to serve the interests of the party in Jharkhand.

Bahadur was replaced by Noor Bano in last January. However, the party high command is of the view that she has not been able to infuse fresh lease of life in the state organisation so far.

Moreover, sources said, Bano?s services could be utilised in her home state of Uttar Pradesh, which is going to Assembly polls next year.

?Bahadur?s role during the formation of the UPA government in Jharkhand last year was appreciated by the central leadership. His meticulous handling of the situation had facilitated this. It is another matter that it could not survive. In the process, he gained a lot of experience which can be utilised now,? said a party leader.

Source said Bahadur might be given the new assignment during the All India Congress Committee reshuffle, expected by this month end.

?The state unit is full of dissidents, who are waiting for the right opportunity to switch over to Marandi?s Jharkhand Vikas Party (JVP), which is fast emerging as a new alternative in Jharkhand?s politics. Ex-MLA Theodore Kiro and some other leaders have already left the party to join JVP,? sources said. ?In the changed political scenario, stakes of UPA (and Congress) are very high and therefore, the AICC wants Bahadur for Jharkhand.?

Bano, despite being in charge for the past six months, has failed to do anything to strengthen the organisation. This is due to the ?communication gap? which exists between her and the party rank-and-file, sources said.