Arjun Munda: Balancing act

Ranchi, Jan. 3: As rumours that Meera Munda might take a shot at electoral glory swirls around the capital?s political circles, chief minister Arjun Munda today said he would not support her candidature if the only thing going for her is that she is the chief minister?s wife.

?She should not be given the party ticket only because she is the chief minister?s wife. The party should first see what she has done so far. She should be allowed to contest, only when she convinces that her candidature will benefit the party,? he said in an interview to The Telegraph.

BJP workers in Chaibasa and Ghatshila constituencies have demanded Meera Munda as their candidate. Munda, on the other hand, holds that his wife Meera ?should first serve the party organisation, before contesting the election?.

Asked what he would do if his wife decided to take the plunge without waiting for his approval, Munda joked, ?You want to start a Mahabharat in my house by making me answer such questions.?

As member of the state BJP election committee that will recommend names of the candidates to the party high command, Munda does have a balancing act ahead of him. Clearly, he would be under pressure to be seen to be impartial with his wife as a contender.

He, however, expressed faith in his wife?s abilities. ?In politics, both men and women should be given equal opportunities. Candidates are selected by the party organisation. If the party decides to field her, who am I to oppose? I have never doubted her abilities. If she is given the opportunity, she will prove to be a better politician than many among us,? he added.

The final decision on the candidates for the election will be taken in Delhi at a two-day meeting of the party?s election committee scheduled for January 8 and 9.

Sources said BJP workers in Kharswan, Ghatshila and Chaibasa Assembly constituencies had recommended Meera Munda?s candidature, when a party committee recently visited these areas to seek the party workers? opinion.

Arjun Munda, however, remains determined to contest Kharsawan assembly seat.

?As elections in Chaibasa and Ghatshila will be held in the second phase, the party may take more time to decide the names of the candidates for these seats. If Meera Munda is given the party ticket to contest the elections, the announcement will be made at the last moment ? perhaps even on the last day for filing nominations,? said a senior leader.

JMM chief Shibu Soren's wife Rupi has announced to contest the Kharswan seat.

Munda, however, refused to be drawn into a comment on her decision. ?She is a respectable woman. Anyone is free to contest the elections. But this much is for sure that I can never leave Kharsawan because the people stood by me when a mighty politician had openly challenged to physically eliminate all my close associates and me. During those days I was with the JMM,? he added.