Cong high command finds it tough to select candidate for Koderma LS seat
GIRIDIH: With over a dozen Congress aspirants staking their claim to the Koderma Lok Sabha seat, it has become a bone of contention for the party.
In the 2009 election, Congress aspirant Tilkadhari Singh had lost to former chief minister Babulal Marandi. Now, that the election dates have been declared, the party is in a dilemma over giving ticket to Singh for the second time. The party is, however, weighing options for a replacement this time and is focusing on the candidature of other aspirants. Senior Congress leader and Gandey MLA Sarfaraj Ahmad’s name is also being considered for the seat.
But it is also true that the Congress cannot afford to disappoint Singh, as he holds sway over the members of his community. Party sources said Singh may project his elder son, Dhananjay Singh, in case he is denied a ticket on grounds of his old age.
The Congress high command is now taking into consideration the minority community which is considered to be one of the most deciding factors in the poll battle. Under such circumstances chances of Ahmad getting the ticket is high. Besides this, he once headed the state party unit in combined Bihar.
On being contacted, Ahmad confirmed his willingness to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Koderma. “I am waiting for the final decision. Whatever be the decision, I will respect it.”