Ranchi, Jharkhand: In a significant political development, Geeta Koda, the lone Member of Parliament (MP) from the Indian National Congress (INC) in Jharkhand, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on February 19, 2024. Her defection comes just months before the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and is seen as a major setback for the Congress party in the state.
Koda, who represents the Singhbhum Lok Sabha constituency, was formally inducted into the BJP by the party's state unit chief, Babulal Marandi, in the presence of other senior leaders. While the specific reasons behind her decision remain unclear, media reports suggest growing disillusionment with the INC and a desire to work for the development of her constituency under the BJP's leadership might have played a role.
Koda's switch is a significant boost for the BJP in Jharkhand, where the party is aiming to retain power in the upcoming assembly elections. Her influence among the Ho tribal community, a significant vote bank in the state, could prove crucial for the BJP's electoral prospects.
Reacting to the development, the Congress party has termed Koda's defection as "opportunistic" and accused the BJP of using "money power" to poach leaders from other parties. The party has also asserted that Koda's move will not have any significant impact on its electoral performance in the state.
It remains to be seen how Koda's decision will play out in the upcoming elections. However, her defection has undoubtedly added a new twist to the already complex political landscape of Jharkhand.