The BJP central leadership is learnt to have hinted to Raghubar Das that he could be a party candidate for the Rajya Sabha, with a rider — that the former chief minister will have to manage additional votes to win the election due on March 26.

That is not going to be an easy job for Das owing to his bitter past with the Ajsu Party and two BJP rebels.

To win a set a candidate needs 27 votes of first preference else his fate will depend upon the total count of the second preference votes. The BJP won 25 seats in the Assembly election, and Dhanwar MLA Babulal Marandi has joined the party. The BJP, hence, needs the support of the two Ajsu Party MLAs.

BJP sources said Das tried to contact Ajsu Party chief Sudesh Mahto. However, a senior Ajsu Party functionary said: “One should not take us for granted. Did Das have any respect for us? Is he the only face left to support?”

The relation between Das and Mahto had soured right after the BJP won the 2014 Assembly polls. Mahto openly criticised policies of Das’s government and Das ignored concerns raised by Mahto.

In case the Ajsu Party denies support, it will be tough for Das to manage his victory.

Spceially because there is suspense whether BJP Baghmara MLA Dhullu Mahto, who is evading arrest, will turn up for voting. Dhullu is considered a staunch Das loyalist. Dhullu’s elder brother Sharad Mahto is learnt to have met Das a few days back, requesting Das to talk to district and state police to not haunt Dhullu.

“Raghubar ji has shown no interest (in helping Dhullu) even though he knows he can be a Rajya Sabha candidate and every vote is precious. Why should Dhullu or anyone take risks for Raghubar ji? He has spoiled ties with everyone,” said a senior BJP MLA.

To add to Das’s woes, Independent MLAs Saryu Roy (Jamshedpur East) and Amit Yadav (Barkatha) are both BJP rebels whom Das had denied tickets.

“The picture is quite hazy and there are several ifs and buts,” said a BJP functionary. “The state government has pressed its entire machinery to prevent Dhullu Mahto from voting. We also fear legal hurdles will be created before Marandi. If this happens, Ajsu Party and Independents will have a big role to play.”