Bhubaneswar: Nearly a month after filing a defamation case against former Odisha IGP Anadi Sahu who had accused him of ‘links’ with criminal siblings Sushil and Sushanta Dhalasamanta, ex-DGP Sajeev Marik on Monday launched his political career by joining Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
Marik joined the party in the presence of former Jharkhand chief minister and JMM chief Shibu Soren, his son Hemant Soren and other leaders in Ranchi.
Speculation is rife in political circles that Marik will contest from the Godda Assembly by-poll in the State slated for June.
JMM’s strategy to field the 1977-batch IPS officer in the RJD and BJP stronghold is that, Marik’s nativity would split the votes in Godda which has a sizeable population of non-tribals, sources said. Notably, the two parties have been representing Godda seat for over a decade.
Besides, since Marik’s father was elected from Godda assembly seat in 1957, JMM will try to cash in on the connection, sources added.
However talking to OTV, Marik said he has joined the party unconditionally.
“Yes, I have joined the party in presence of many top leaders,“ he stated.
Asked about his possible candidature from the Godda Assembly seat, he said, “My father was an MLA from the same constituency long back. Now, since I have become a member of the party, if it wishes so, I will obey the same.”