Ranchi, Nov. 22: The Sanyukta Sadan Sangharsh Morcha, a socio-political outfit that represents all non-tribal communities of Jharkhand, has decided to rally behind the BJP, moving away from its hitherto neutral position to boost the national party’s prospect in the Assembly elections.

Addressing a news conference at a Ranchi hotel today, Morcha president Rajendra Prasad declared open support to BJP candidates across the state to help the party form a stable government.

“A BJP-led stable government is the need of the hour to herald a new beginning in Jharkhand. It is the only party that thinks for all, irrespective of their caste, creed and religion,” he claimed.

With more than one lakh members across the state, the 40-year-old outfit represents around 70 per cent voters, comprising Mahtos, Kurmis, Sahus, Ansaris and all other non-tribal communities. All these non-tribal communities, including Hindus, Muslims and Christians, are collectively called Sadans, whose forefathers were born in Jharkhand.

Prasad said the Morcha office-bearers would visit different parts of the state and convince non-tribal people of Jharkhand to vote the BJP and its allies during the elections. “I will go to Sisai, Bharno and Ghaghra in Gumla and convince Sandans. Also, our office-bearers will be sent to Santhal Pargana and other parts of the state,” he said.

The Morcha leader said the decision to support BJP was under consideration for some time. “BJP chief Amit Shah, during his tour of Jharkhand a few days ago, met a delegation of the Morcha and assured it of proper representation in the governance. Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the need for a stable government. We are convinced that we must support the party,” Prasad said.

Sources said the Morcha, which had never contested any election before and always adopted a neutral standing during polls, had approached the BJP, requesting support for its electoral debut in the Assembly elections. It wanted to contest any five seats with backing from the national party. The BJP turned down the request, triggering rumours that the Morcha would extend support to rival parties. But awe-struck by Modi’s charisma, the Morcha decided to support the BJP.