New Delhi:
Prominent candidates in the fray for fourth phase of Jharkhand assembly elections being held on December 12 include Sudhir Mahto, Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu, Anos Ekka and Sukhdeo Bhagat.
Sudhir Mahto: Former deputy chief minister of Jharkhand Sudhir Mahto is the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) nominee from Eichagarh assembly constituency. He is the sitting MLA of Eichagarh and is in the fray to retain the seat. He is contesting against Sadhucharan Mahto of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Arvind Singh of the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik).
Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu: Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu is the Congress candidate from Ghatshila assembly constituency. Balmuchu, who is seeking re-election for the fourth time from this constituency, is engaged in a pitched battle with former MLA Surya Singh Besra of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Ramdas Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
Anos Ekka: Former Jharkhand minister Anos Ekka is the JP candidate from Kolebira and Simdega assembly constituencies. Ekka is now in judicial custody on corruption charges. He has the distinction of being a minister in all the four cabinets of Jharkhand from 2005 to 2008.
Sukhdeo Bhagat: Bhagat is the Congress nominee from Lohardaga assembly constituency of Jharkhand. He has represented this constituency in last assembly elections too. He is in the fray along with Sadhnu Bhagat of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Kamal Kishore Bhagat of AJSU.