The newly appointed JDU State president Salkhan Murmu on Tuesday said that his party will contest from 81 Assembly seats in the State. With an eye on the election, the party has begun its preparations, with party activists mobilizing voters in the rural belts.

The two-time MP from Mayurbanjh, Salkhan had recently attended party's executive meeting at Patna. Addressing a press meet he said that the party is all geared up and would contest on all the seats in the Assembly polls.

“On June 29 which is celebrated as Hul Diwas we will formerly launch drive to garner support for the polls,” said Murmu.

Murmu, who first became MP in 1998 under the banner of BJP, has always been advocating the cause of the tribals.

“We are dedicated for the progress of the tribals so our focus would be on them. It is through the ballot that one can show the strength in the democracy and, our activists have started working in the rural belts to make the voters realise their importance and need to safeguard their interests,” he noted.

He said that Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy (SPT) acts are related with tribal sentiments and steps taken will have adverse effect on the State.

Murmu further went on to add that all the respective governments in the State have failed miserably to hand over the land rights to the tribals and ensure their adequate representation in the government jobs. Every party has supported the land mafias and forced displacements of tribals.

The JDU State unit will reach out to people on Nitish's development model to protect Jal Jungle Jameen. The party has decided to launch membership drive on June 16. As part of membership drive, the party leaders will be given the task to enroll at least six members from every village in State to party fold.