Close Contest in Jharkhand as BJP and JMM-Congress Vie for Power

Kumar Rakesh
New Delhi, 15th Oct.  As Jharkhand gears up for assembly elections in November, the battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance, supported by Congress, is shaping up to be intense. Both sides are laying out their strategies, with each eyeing a comeback or consolidation in this tribal-dominated state. The upcoming elections will be held in two phases, on November 13 and 20, as announced by the Election Commission.

BJP’s Strategy: Targeting Corruption and Development

The BJP, aiming to reclaim its position after losing to the JMM-Congress alliance in 2019, is focusing on corruption allegations against Chief Minister Hemant Soren and other leaders of the ruling coalition. The party’s campaign is anchored around accusations of money laundering and misuse of power by the JMM-led government. The BJP has particularly highlighted the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) probes into Soren’s alleged involvement in a land scam.

The saffron party is also banking on its development promises. Senior BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have been spearheading the campaign, offering a vision of economic growth and infrastructure projects to appeal to the electorate. Additionally, the BJP has managed to woo some prominent figures into its fold, including former JMM leader Champai Soren and Congress MP Geeta Kora, potentially bolstering its presence in key regions.

JMM-Congress: Banking on Welfare Initiatives and Tribal Sentiment

On the other hand, the JMM-Congress coalition is focusing on welfare schemes and playing to tribal sentiments, especially in the wake of Soren’s legal troubles. The alliance has rolled out several initiatives like the Maiyan Samman Yojna and Abua Awas Yojna, aimed at direct benefits to the people, especially women and marginalized groups. These schemes could resonate with voters looking for tangible support in their daily lives.

Soren’s arrest has also given the alliance a narrative to present itself as a victim of the BJP’s central interference, potentially stirring sentiments among tribal voters. The ruling alliance has been accusing the BJP of attempting to destabilize a democratically elected government by using central agencies like the ED and CBI against its leaders.

The alliance’s stance on the Sarna Religious Code and its advocacy for the 1932-Khatian based domicile policy are also central to its appeal. These moves aim to connect with the state’s large tribal population, who see these as vital issues to protect their identity and heritage.

SWOT Analysis: A Comparative View

BJP’s Strengths:

• A strong campaign led by national leaders and a focus on alleged corruption within the JMM-led government.
• Strategic alliances, including its renewed partnership with the AJSU Party and the induction of key leaders from rival parties.

BJP’s Weaknesses:

• Internal discord and lack of coordination among its leaders could weaken its campaign strength.
• Voters may be swayed by the JMM-Congress narrative blaming the BJP for recent political instability in the state.

Opportunities for BJP:

• The opposition’s legal challenges and allegations of corruption present an opportunity to sway public opinion and reclaim lost ground.
• Development promises and new projects could attract support from voters seeking progress.

Threats to BJP:

• The INDIA bloc’s appeal to tribal sentiment, especially after Soren’s arrest, could sway a significant voter base.
• Aggressive campaigning and welfare outreach by the JMM-Congress could make it difficult for the BJP to break into the tribal strongholds.

JMM-Congress Strengths:

• Strong appeal among tribal voters and welfare schemes targeted at grassroots beneficiaries.
• Playing the victim card in response to Soren’s arrest could galvanize support among those perceiving central interference as unjust.

JMM-Congress Weaknesses:

• Defections of key leaders to the BJP and ongoing seat-sharing disagreements within the INDIA bloc.
• Past infighting within the coalition could present a challenge to a unified campaign.

Opportunities for JMM-Congress:

• The emergence of new leaders like Kalpana Soren could add strength to their campaign.
• With 28 tribal-reserved seats, the alliance could leverage its policies to secure critical electoral segments.

Threats to JMM-Congress:

• BJP’s focus on law and order issues, including allegations of demographic changes, could resonate with certain voter segments.
• Development promises by the BJP could sway undecided voters looking for economic growth.

A Crucial Election for Jharkhand’s Future

The elections in Jharkhand are not just a contest for power; they are a battle of narratives and strategies. For the BJP, it’s about regaining lost ground by pushing a message of accountability and development. For the JMM-Congress, it’s about sustaining its appeal among tribal communities and presenting itself as a protector of regional interests.

With the polls set to unfold in November, both sides have intensified their campaigns, making this an election that will have far-reaching implications for Jharkhand’s political and developmental landscape.