Ranchi: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren, appears set for a second consecutive term in power, as trends from the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections indicate a strong showing for the ruling party. Despite early challenges, including defections to the BJP, the Sorens' dynamic leadership and mass mobilisation have given the JMM a clear edge.
Both Hemant and Kalpana Soren held nearly 200 election rallies after the elections were announced, energising the JMM base and galvanising support, particularly among tribal communities. The BJP had mocked the couple as "Bunty aur Babli," but the couple’s tireless campaigning has paid off with loyal party workers already celebrating, even before the Election Commission’s official results.
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JMM leading in trends
As of 1:30 pm, the JMM is leading in 31 of the 43 seats it contested, according to the Election Commission’s early count. The party’s performance is particularly remarkable considering the defections it faced, with several prominent leaders, including Sita Soren, Champai Soren, and Lobin Hembrom, switching allegiance to the BJP.
Hemant Soren's leadership, bolstered by the support of his wife Kalpana, seems to have resonated with voters. Their campaign, marked by accusations against the BJP-led Centre for using central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and CBI to target rivals, gained traction, especially after Hemant's arrest in January 2024 in a money-laundering case related to an alleged land scam.
A test of tribal support and sympathy
The Sorens have managed to rally significant tribal support, with the electorate largely rallying behind Hemant following his arrest, which sparked widespread sympathy. Despite facing anti-incumbency sentiment, the BJP struggled to turn the tide in its favour, unable to capitalise on the discontent over the government’s handling of the issue.
In the Barhait assembly constituency, Hemant Soren is leading with a margin of over 17,000 votes against the BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom. However, his wife Kalpana, who has been credited with reviving the JMM's fortunes, is trailing behind BJP’s Muniya Devi by over 5,300 votes as of the ninth round of counting.
One JMM worker pointed out that Kalpana was unfairly labelled as an outsider by the BJP, with the term "helicopter madam" used against her due to her non-local background. Despite this, the worker remained confident that Kalpana could narrow the gap as counting progresses.
Political and legal drama amid campaigns
The Sorens’ return to political prominence also follows a tumultuous period. Hemant was granted bail in June after spending five months in jail. His release set the stage for his re-election as the JMM’s legislature party leader. The political drama surrounding his arrest and subsequent release only fueled the JMM’s appeal, particularly among tribal voters, who rallied behind their local leader.
Throughout the election campaign, the JMM emphasised its focus on welfare schemes, contrasting it with the BJP’s attacks on the state government over corruption allegations. Hemant Soren also accused the BJP of waging a malicious campaign against him, alleging that the party had spent over Rs 500 crore on such efforts.
BJP's campaign focused on alleged corruption
On the other hand, the BJP’s campaign in Jharkhand, led by top figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President JP Nadda, targeted the JMM-led coalition over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The BJP also seized on the issue of Champai Soren’s removal as chief minister, framing it as a betrayal of tribal leaders within the JMM.
Despite these attacks, the BJP’s focus on local issues and its framing of the Jharkhand election as a contest for tribal dignity did not seem to resonate enough with voters, leaving the JMM and the Sorens with a clear path to victory.
Should JMM emerge victorious, it will further solidify the Sorens’ influence, particularly among the state’s tribal communities. Their leadership, which has weathered legal and political challenges, will be key to the party's ability to maintain its hold over Jharkhand in the coming years.
Agency
Published: 23 Nov 2024, 02:48 pm IST
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