Ranchi: Dr. Sidheswar Baskey, a candidate for the convener post in the Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA), has formally complained to Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari regarding alleged irregularities in the recent election process. The complaint, submitted nearly a month after the elections concluded, highlights technical flaws and alleged manipulation during the polling process.
Dr. Baskey claims that nomination papers were issued for the 2024-26 term, although the elections were held for the 2025-27 term. He also alleged that a syndicate had influenced the election, positioning preferred medical officers in key roles to sway the outcome.
Awaiting Response from Authorities
“I have submitted a formal complaint to the chief minister, health minister, and JSHSA chief election commissioner Dr. Lal Majhi, but I have not received any response yet,” Dr. Baskey said.
Dr. Baskey, who is currently posted at the Ranchi Civil Surgeon’s office, contested for the JSHSA state convener post and secured 213 votes. The election was ultimately won by Dr. Sharad Kumar from Deoghar with 822 votes, while Dr. Santosh Kumar from Ranchi finished third with 122 votes.
Election Commissioner Denies Allegations
In response to the allegations, Dr. Lal Majhi, chief election commissioner for JSHSA and Deputy Director of Health, rejected Dr. Baskey’s claims. He emphasized that if any candidate had raised concerns before the nomination paper scrutiny, the election process could have been halted. Dr. Majhi denied receiving an official protest from Dr. Baskey and affirmed that the election process was conducted fairly and transparently.
“The nomination papers were indeed for the 2025-27 tenure. Any circulation of 2024-26 documents on WhatsApp is beyond my knowledge,” Dr. Majhi stated.
Formation of a New Medical Association
In the wake of the controversy, Dr. Baskey, who has strong support in East and West Singhbhum, has established the Jharkhand Medical Association (JMA). Dr. Baskey emphasized that the JMA is not meant to rival JSHSA or IMA (Indian Medical Association), but instead aims to unify medical professionals across disciplines, including Allopathy, AYUSH, Unani, and Homeopathy.
“This association is a platform for all medical professionals working towards patient care, regardless of their specific medical field. It’s about serving the interests of doctors better, which I believe both JSHSA and IMA have failed to do,” Dr. Baskey said.
He also dismissed any claims that the JMA was created because of his election loss, stating that it was a necessary step to address the unmet needs of medical professionals.
JMA Convention After Holi
Dr. Baskey announced that the first convention of the Jharkhand Medical Association will be held in Ranchi after the Holi festival. Membership drives are currently underway across all districts, and a formal committee will be formed once the membership process is complete. Receipts are being issued for membership to ensure proper documentation of the association’s structure.
