JMM Rolls Out Soren Family Heavyweights for High-Stakes Jharkhand Polls

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 23^rd October. In the run-up to the highly anticipated Jharkhand Assembly elections, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has officially released its first list of 35 candidates. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the party’s stalwart, will once again contest from the Barhait constituency, while the Soren family’s prominence in state politics is underscored by the candidacies of his wife, Kalpana Soren, from Gandey, and his brother, Basant Soren, from Dumka. This high-profile release signals the JMM’s intent to consolidate power and build upon its previous electoral successes, positioning the family as the backbone of its leadership strategy.

Alongside the Soren family members, the list features a mix of seasoned politicians and newer faces, carefully selected to reflect the party’s wide-ranging appeal across Jharkhand’s diverse constituencies. The JMM has fielded Ravindranath Mahto from Nala, M.T. Raja from Rajmahal, Dhananjay Soren from Boriya, and Stephen Marandi from Maheshpur, all of whom bring considerable experience to the table. Additionally, candidates like Uday Shankar Singh from Sarath, Sudiway Kumar from Giridih, and Alok Soren from Shikaripara are expected to strengthen the party’s outreach in their respective regions.

The ruling JMM, under Hemant Soren’s leadership, is preparing to defend its majority in the 81-member assembly, where elections will be held in two phases—on November 13 and 20, with the vote count scheduled for November 23. This election is particularly significant, as it will not only test the JMM’s popularity but will also shape Jharkhand’s political future amidst shifting alliances and emerging opposition challenges.

JMM’s Strategic Candidate Selections: Family at the Core

One of the most notable aspects of the JMM’s list is its reliance on the Soren family’s continued dominance in Jharkhand politics. Hemant Soren, who has served as Chief Minister since 2019, is the face of the party and is seeking re-election from Barhait, a constituency he has successfully represented in previous elections. His leadership has been central to the JMM’s success in navigating the complexities of coalition politics in the state, particularly with its alliance partners, the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Kalpana Soren, Hemant’s wife, will be contesting from Gandey, marking her formal entry into electoral politics. Her candidacy represents a clear attempt by the JMM to further consolidate the Soren family’s grip on key constituencies, while also appealing to women voters. Meanwhile, Basant Soren, the Chief Minister’s brother, will again contest from Dumka, a seat of symbolic and strategic importance for the party. His presence in the electoral fray underscores the JMM’s intent to maintain its influence in the tribal heartland of Jharkhand, where the party draws much of its support.

The inclusion of family members at the forefront of the JMM’s campaign is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it reinforces the legacy of the Soren family in Jharkhand’s political landscape, evoking the legacy of Shibu Soren, the party’s founder and a towering figure in state politics. On the other hand, it exposes the JMM to criticism of dynastic politics, a charge that opposition parties are likely to leverage as they seek to weaken the ruling party’s appeal.

Balancing Veteran Leaders and New Faces

Beyond the Soren family, the JMM’s candidate list strikes a balance between veteran politicians and new contenders. For example, Ravindranath Mahto, the sitting speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, has been fielded from Nala. His role as a senior leader within the JMM and his experience in managing legislative affairs make him a crucial player in the party’s election strategy.

The inclusion of newer candidates like Alok Soren (Shikaripara) and Deepak Birua (Chaibasa) signals the JMM’s attempt to refresh its ranks and appeal to younger voters. By putting forward a mix of seasoned leaders and emerging faces, the party aims to present itself as both stable and adaptive, capable of representing the evolving aspirations of the state’s electorate.

Opposition’s Response: Congress and RJD Lineup

Meanwhile, the JMM’s coalition partners, the Congress and RJD, have also revealed their initial lists of candidates. The Congress, fielding 21 candidates, is banking on experienced politicians like Irfan Ansari from Jamtara and Pradeep Yadav from Poraiyahat, while also positioning newer figures such as Deepika Pandey Singh from Mahagama. The RJD, contesting six seats as part of the coalition agreement, has named candidates including Suresh Paswan (Deoghar) and Sanjay Prasad Yadav (Godda), with hopes of securing vital constituencies that will support the broader alliance.

The combined strength of the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance poses a formidable challenge to the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which will need to counter the ruling alliance’s consolidated base of tribal, rural, and minority voters. However, internal dynamics and the ability of these parties to cooperate seamlessly during the campaign will be key to their success.

Challenges Ahead for the JMM and Hemant Soren

Despite the strength of the JMM’s candidate list and its alliance with the Congress and RJD, the party faces several challenges as it seeks re-election. Governance issues, economic concerns, and rural distress—exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic—are likely to dominate the campaign discourse. Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, will seek to capitalize on any perceived gaps in the Soren administration’s performance, particularly in areas like employment generation, infrastructure development, and management of tribal welfare programs.

The BJP, which has a significant support base in Jharkhand, will undoubtedly target the JMM’s reliance on dynastic politics, as well as the party’s performance in its five-year tenure. The Soren government’s handling of law and order issues, as well as its relationship with the central government, will also be key factors that could influence voter sentiment.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Election for JMM

The release of the JMM’s candidate list marks the beginning of a high-stakes election campaign that will determine the future trajectory of Jharkhand politics. The party’s decision to rely heavily on the Soren family, combined with its strategic mix of experienced leaders and fresh faces, reflects a calculated effort to secure a majority in the upcoming assembly elections.

However, the road to victory will not be easy. The JMM will need to navigate the challenges posed by its rivals, while also addressing voter concerns about governance and development. In this context, Hemant Soren’s leadership and the performance of his government will be scrutinized closely, and the party’s ability to maintain its tribal base while expanding its appeal to other sections of the electorate will be critical.

Can the JMM Overcome the Dynastic Critique?

While, the JMM has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the upcoming elections, the party must carefully manage the perception of dynastic politics. Hemant Soren’s leadership is widely respected, but the over-reliance on family members could alienate sections of the electorate that view this as a sign of political nepotism. To counter this, the JMM will need to focus on its achievements in governance, emphasizing economic development, tribal welfare, and regional pride.

Moreover, the party’s alliance with the Congress and RJD, while formidable, must remain cohesive throughout the campaign. A united front against the BJP will be essential for the JMM to retain its hold on power in Jharkhand, a state known for its complex political landscape and shifting voter alliances.

Ultimately, the JMM’s electoral fate will rest on its ability to transcend the family-centric narrative and present itself as a party of inclusive governance and progressive policies, appealing to the diverse and dynamic electorate of Jharkhand.