Ranchi: In the high-stakes world of politics, leaders frequently change parties to secure a ticket to contest polls. In Jharkhand, a dramatic instance was seen late on Thursday night, when the Congress party denied a ticket to one of its sitting MLAs, only for him to switch sides within hours. 
On Thursday night, the Congress released its second list of candidates for the Jharkhand Assembly elections at around 11.30 pm. In a surprise move, the name of incumbent Barhi MLA Umashankar Yadav Akela was replaced by Arun Sahu, creating last-minute upheaval.
Two days earlier, Akela announced his intention to file his nomination as a Congress candidate on October 25, after receiving assurances that he would be the party&rsquo;s choice. The local Congress unit had already prepared for a rally and procession for his nomination. 
When Akela learned of his exclusion late at night, he decided to act swiftly. He travelled nearly 170 km from his residence in Chauparan to Daltonganj, where he met with Samajwadi Party (SP) state President Keshav Yadav (also known as Ranjan Yadav) at around 4 am and joined the SP.
The SP promptly offered him a ticket from Barhi, allowing him to return to his constituency and file his nomination later that day.
Akela has now accused Congress of selling party tickets, alleging that he was asked to pay Rs2 crore for his ticket and dropped when he refused.
He criticised the Congress for ignoring loyal party leaders, saying that &ldquo;honest leaders are being sidelined.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, the SP state President Keshav Yadav has asserted that the party&rsquo;s support will be essential in forming the next government in Jharkhand.
Friday is the last date for filing nominations for Jharkhand elections, the voting for which, will take place on November 13 and 20, with counting scheduled for November 23.
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&mdash;IANS
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Barhi MLA Umashankar Akela with SP leaders

Barhi MLA Umashankar Akela was replaced by Arun Sahu, prompting his step

TURNCOAT TALE: Cong MLA denied ticket at midnight, joins SP hours later

Barhi MLA Umashankar Akela was replaced by Arun Sahu, prompting his step

October 25, 2024 | 16:08 IST