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Former Maoist commander Ranjan Yadav, who had been jailed, has plans to venture into politics. After serving the rebels for many years, Yadav is now eager to contest elections from Jharkhand's Chatra constituency. Clad in white traditional kurta pyjama, a supposedly changed Yadav wished to contribute by working for locals and promote development work in the area. Yadav's decision has been welcomed by locals, who were seen garlanding the former rebel at a small event to announce his political ambition. "Even with the rebels, I faced the dilemma whether to enter politics or not. After contemplating, I took the decision of joining politics and want to serve the people by fighting for their rights and to bring development to the area," said Yadav. Yadav said he wanted to fight for the rights of people and bring about development in the Maoist hotbed. "I am well aware of the problems of this area. The local leaders have only cheated the people in exchange for their votes all these years. Hence, I have taken this decision to go to the public," said Yadav. Recent crackdowns on rebel-dominated areas across India have raised hopes that the government is winning the battle against the Maoists whom Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described as India's biggest internal security threat. In the last few years, the rebels have stepped up their efforts against the government, targeting and damaging democratic and civil institutions of the nation, such as schools, medical centres and government property. Maoists have significantly made their presence felt among tribals in Chhattisgarh, Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa.

Former Maoist commander Ranjan Yadav to contest elections in Jharkhand