Hemant Soren triumphs again; BJP crumbles in Jharkhand

NEW DELHI: The BJP's relentless efforts to unseat Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren have ended in failure, as JMM-led alliance secured a decisive victory in the state assembly elections. Despite facing multiple crises, including cases by the ED and CBI, Soren has emerged stronger, cementing his position as a leader deeply rooted in the state's tribal identity.

This victory underscores the enduring influence of the JMM among tribal groups and marginalized communities, a legacy inherited from Hemant Soren's father, Shibu Soren. The alliance comprising the JMM, Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) garnered significant support across key regions like Chhota Nagpur, Kolhan, Koyalanchal, Palamu and Santal Pargana.

The elections witnessed a record voter turnout of 67.74%, reflecting heightened political engagement among the electorate. Hemant Soren and his wife, Kalpana Soren, led a vigorous campaign, addressing over 200 rallies and emphasizing their commitment to tribal welfare and grassroots development.

Factors behind the victory

1. Tribal support: The backing of tribal communities proved to be the cornerstone of JMM's success.

2. Welfare schemes: Initiatives like the 'Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana', which provides ₹1,000 per month to women, struck a chord with voters.

3. Sympathy wave: BJP's campaign, marked by allegations of political vendetta, backfired, with CBI and ED cases against Soren generating public sympathy.

4. Kalpana Soren's leadership: During Soren’s legal battles, his wife Kalpana emerged as a prominent face, rallying public sentiment against the BJP.

5. Misfired BJP strategies: BJP's focus on national issues and its campaign to deport Bangladeshi immigrants failed to resonate with the electorate.

6. Defections backfire: Efforts to bring key JMM leaders like Champai Soren and Sita Soren into the BJP fold did not yield the desired results.

The BJP faced a leadership vacuum in its Jharkhand campaign, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam, tasked with overseeing the strategy, failing to deliver. Sarma’s focus on infiltration issues did not align with the priorities of Jharkhand’s voters, further weakening the BJP’s position.

Hemant Soren attributed his victory to the unwavering support of the people and his family. Sharing a photo with his wife Kalpana and sons Nithil and Biswajit on social media, he captioned it “My Strength,” symbolizing his reliance on family values and public trust. Kalpana Soren, too, celebrated the victory by sharing a family photograph after winning from the Gande constituency.