BSP's Durga Oraon withdraws name, to support Congress

RANCHI: Known as an anti-corruption crusader, Durga Munda alias Durga Oraon, who filed his nomination on a Bahujan Samaj Party ticket from the Ranchi parliamentary constituency, announced his sudden withdrawal and support for Congress's Subodh Kant Sahay, here on Sunday.
Durga Oraon shot to limelight after filing a series of PILs against political stalwarts in the Jharkhand high court.This included former chief minister and MP Madhu Koda and his cabinet colleagues Bandhu Tirkey, Enos Ekka, Harinarayan Roy, Kamlesh Singh and Bhanu Pratap Sahi.
Remaining inconspicuous for long, the petitioner turned up before the court as Durga Oraon only when the court issued an order to the counsel of petitioner for his appearance. It was after this appearance that Oraon floated his social organization 'Jharkhand Against Corruption' and continued with his fight against corrupt leaders.
Initially, having made up his mind to contest as an Independent, Durga filed his nominations as Durga Munda on a BSP ticket this time. Asked as to what prompted him to choose Congress candidate Subodh Kant Sahay among all other political parties, Durga said he was convinced with the profile of Sahay. "I am supporting Sahay individually and will campaign for him," he said, clarifying that it was because of the lack of support on the part of BSP that he decided to withdraw his name.
He denied allegations of his fight against corruption becoming be blunted after supporting Sahay, who was removed from the ministry for misuse of office and power as the Union tourism minister.