Tue Nov 05 05:59:15 UTC 2024: ## JMM Alleges Bias in Jharkhand Election Campaign, Seeks President’s Intervention
**Ranchi, November 5, 2024:** The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of creating an uneven playing field for campaigners in the upcoming state assembly elections. In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, the JMM claimed that Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s helicopter was grounded for 90 minutes on November 4 due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state, despite having ECI approval for his campaign itinerary.
According to JMM spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya, Soren was scheduled to address election rallies in Gudri and Simdega. However, due to a no-fly zone declared for PM Modi’s visit to Garhwa and Chaibasa, Soren’s helicopter was prevented from taking off for an extended period, citing security protocols.
Bhattacharya highlighted that the ECI had only stipulated a 15-minute no-fly zone within a 50 km radius for security purposes. He argued that the prolonged grounding of Soren’s helicopter was discriminatory and unfairly disadvantaged the Chief Minister’s campaign.
The letter addressed to the President, who is also a member of the tribal community like Soren, appealed for intervention to ensure fair treatment and equal constitutional protection for all star campaigners, particularly those representing tribal communities.
The JMM’s accusation has added another layer of tension to the already heated Jharkhand Assembly elections. The party is seeking a response from the President on the matter and demanding corrective action from the ECI to guarantee a level playing field for all political parties.
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