Ranchi, Dec 4 (IANS): The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) retained the Mandu assembly seat Sunday, winning the bypoll by a majority of over 23,000 votes, an official said.
JMM's Jat Prakash Patel polled 52,404 votes, while Congress candidate Kumar Mahesh Singh secured 28,636.
Manish Jasiwal of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantric) was third with 23,433 votes, an official said.
As many as 22 candidates were in the fray for the bypoll that took place Nov 30 and recorded 60 percent polling.
The seat fell vacant after the death of JMM legislator Teklal Mahto.