Ghatsila: A controversy erupted during the Ghatsila by-election campaign after JLKM party chief and Dumri MLA Jayram Mahato was seen addressing supporters from the roof of a vehicle. The district administration issued a notice seeking clarification from Mahato and later shared details of the action on its official X handle, triggering a political storm.
Mahato’s personal secretary Sanjay Mehta told Reporter Post that the party’s legal team has already responded to the administration’s queries, though the contents of the reply have not been disclosed. He argued that Mahato was being unfairly singled out, claiming that several senior leaders from other political parties had previously addressed gatherings in a similar manner. Mehta alleged that a political conspiracy was being hatched to restrict Mahato’s popular vehicle-top speeches, which have drawn strong public response during campaigning.
On October 21, the district administration posted on X a notice featuring images of Jayram Mahato and JELKM candidate Ramdas Murmu delivering speeches from atop a vehicle. In reaction, JELKM supporters began sharing old photos of leaders from rival parties campaigning in the same way, accusing authorities of selective action.
The issue has since intensified, adding another twist to the already heated by-election atmosphere in Ghatsila.