The ongoing Jharkhand Assembly elections, which began with the first phase of voting on November 13, are shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the state’s political trajectory. With 43 seats across 15 districts in play, this election presents a crucial test for both the ruling coalition and the BJP, which is determined to reclaim its lost ground. The state has been a political battleground since its formation in 2000, with power often swinging between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and regional forces like the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which is now at the heart of the opposition alliance, the INDIA bloc.
In the 2019 Assembly elections, the BJP, which had previously been a dominant force in the state, suffered a significant defeat. Despite its strong presence, it could only secure 25 of the 81 seats. The JMM emerged as the largest party with 30 seats and formed a coalition government with the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), propelling Hemant Soren, the JMM leader, to the position of Chief Minister. However, Soren’s tenure has been marred by controversies, most notably his temporary removal from office after facing charges in a corruption case. Despite these challenges, Soren remains resolute in his bid to continue as the Chief Minister, presenting himself as the guardian of Jharkhand’s tribal interests and secular fabric.
As the election battle intensifies, the contest is increasingly being defined by two key players: the BJP, aiming to regain its foothold in the state, and the JMM-led INDIA bloc, which is determined to retain control. The stakes are high, not just for the state, but also for the national political landscape. For the BJP, regaining Jharkhand is crucial to its strategy of consolidating power in eastern India. The party’s national leadership, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been working hard to sway voters with accusations of corruption and illegal migration. Sarma, leading the BJP’s campaign in Jharkhand, has stirred controversy by accusing Soren’s government of facilitating illegal migration from Bangladesh to garner political support. This charge has struck a chord with BJP’s core voters, who view it as a rallying cry against illegal infiltration.
In response, Soren and his allies in the INDIA bloc have framed the BJP’s campaign as a dangerous attempt to stoke communal tensions in the state. They have positioned themselves as defenders of the tribal community’s rights, rejecting what they call the BJP’s divisive politics. Soren’s campaign is built on the narrative that the BJP’s focus on issues like “Bangladeshi infiltration” is a smokescreen to distract from its failure to deliver on governance, and that the JMM-led alliance is a better protector of Jharkhand’s secular and tribal values.
The election has also brought several high-profile candidates into the fray, making key constituencies battlegrounds of political significance. One of the most-watched contests is the Seraikella seat, where former Chief Minister Champai Soren, who recently left the JMM to join the BJP after over four decades, is contesting. His shift is seen as a major blow to the JMM, as he was once a prominent face of the party. In Jamshedpur East, Congress leader Ajoy Kumar faces a tough challenge from BJP’s Purnima Das Sahu, while in Jamshedpur West, Congress Health Minister Banna Gupta goes head-to-head with JD(U) leader Saryu Roy, who is remembered for his dramatic victory against former Chief Minister Raghubar Das in 2019.
At the heart of this election are Jharkhand’s tribal constituencies, whose support is critical for both the BJP and the INDIA bloc. With issues like land rights, education, and economic development still crucial for the state’s Adivasi population, both sides are trying to win their loyalty. The outcome of the election will depend on how effectively each coalition can address these pressing concerns, especially the perceived neglect of tribal communities under the current regime.
Ultimately, the Jharkhand elections are more than just a regional contest; they are a test of political survival for both the BJP and the JMM-led INDIA bloc. For the BJP, reclaiming Jharkhand is a key part of their strategy to extend their influence in eastern India. For the INDIA bloc, retaining power in Jharkhand is critical to solidifying their coalition and positioning themselves as a formidable force ahead of the 2024 national elections. With the outcome still uncertain, all eyes will be on the remaining phases of voting, as Jharkhand’s political future hangs in the balance.
