Ranchi, March 15: Post the smashing victory lapped up by BJP in UP and Uttrakhand, the opposition seems to be in mood to take any more chances. Opposition parties are now colluding to put up a united front against the BJP in the upcoming Jharkhand assembly bypolls scheduled to be held on April 9. 

In a move to unite the opposition, Jharkhand Congress president Sukhdeo Bhagat met leader of opposition and executive president of JMM, Hemant Soren, on Tuesday and explored the option of alliance during the assembly bypoll.
 
Alok Dubey, Jharkhand Congress general secretary remarked while talking to the media that they will explore all posibilities to keep the BJP from winning in the state. The JMM is holding the seat since 1977 but has been vacant since its legislator Anil Murmu's death in January this year. 
 
Asked about supporting the JMM candidate in the bypoll, Dubey said: "The central leaders will be apprised about the ground situation and the final decision will be taken by the central leaders. We can say that we will not give any chance to BJP. The seat should remain in the UPA fold."
 
The BJP too on the other hand is weighing all its options and looking for a suitable candidate who can win in the JMM bastion. Sources in the BJP said the Chief Minister Raghubar Das and party president Lakshman Gilua have discussed the issue.
 
BJP may finalise the candidate in a day or two. Hemlal Murmu who had joined BJP in 2014 is believed to be the most probable candidate for BJP. Murmu was in JMM till 2014.
 
According to a senior leader, the JMM is likely to field Basant Soren — younger brother of Hemant Soren — from one of its stronghold areas.  But an official announcement in this regard is yet to be made by the party. However, BJP sources also said that if JMM fields Basant Soren, then the party may opt to field wife of late JMM legislator Anil Murmu.
 
Congress may support the JMM candidate but another opposition, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) has not opened its mind.
 
This bypoll will take place after Raghubar Das government made amendment in the two land acts — Chotangpur Tenancy Act and Sanrhal Pargana Tenancy Act — allowing the use of agriculture land for non-agricultural purposes.