In a major blow to Nitish, Jharkhand JD(U) leader Jaleshwar Mahato joins Congress

Former Jharkhand Minister and state president of Janata Dal-United (JD-U) Jaleshwar Mahato on Saturday joined the Congress.

The Congress shared this information on its Twitter handle:

Jaleshwar Mahato remained JD(U) MLA from the Baghmara (Vidhan Sabha constituency) during 2000 to 2009 and is known for his work in the field of infrastructural development in the state during his tenure as a minister in the state. Reputed for his clean image, Mahto was also state president of the Janata Dal (United). He is considered to be close to JD(U) President Nitish Kumar but has reportedly been having strong conflicts with the NDA (National Democratic Alliance).

His move is being taken as a blow to JD(U) and Nitish Kumar in Jharkhand. After joining the Congress he reportedly expressed his strong conflict with the present BJP MLA from Baghmara Dhullu Mahto and criticised him for the ‘mafia Raj’ in Baghmara under the BJP government.