The ruling coalition government in Jharkhand, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren and comprising 56 seats, appears to be experiencing some discord among its members. Statements from leaders within the alliance suggest a lack of coordination. Central Secretary of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Suprio Bhattacharya, stated that the Congress party’s presence in Santhal Pargana depends on JMM’s support. This raises questions about the political viability of the Congress in the region.
Bhattacharya’s statement came in response to inquiries about the significance of Santhal Pargana in Jharkhand’s politics, particularly given the upcoming Hul Day on June 30th and the presence of BJP leaders in the area. He emphasized the historical importance of the region and the affection the people of Santhal have for JMM, Guruji (Shibu Soren), and Chief Minister Hemant Soren. He claimed that other parties attempt to deceive the people but fail, highlighting JMM’s success with 17 out of 18 seats in Santhal.
Essentially, the JMM’s stance implies that the Congress’s electoral success in Santhal is tied to their alliance. The JMM’s declaration suggests a dependence of the Congress on the JMM for its political standing in Santhal.
The Jharkhand Congress’s media in-charge and state general secretary, Rakesh Sinha, responded by stating that both parties are part of an alliance and depend on each other. He asserted that the Congress has its own presence in Santhal Pargana, having won several seats. He advised JMM leaders to avoid such statements, suggesting that they undermine the coalition’s unity. He attributed the alliance’s victory to the combined efforts of the Congress, JMM, RJD, and other parties.
The BJP has also weighed in on the situation, with Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Ajay Sah commenting on the lack of coordination within the ruling coalition. Sah claimed the coalition was formed with a negative mindset, primarily for power and financial gain. He predicted a potential split before the five-year term ends.
In the 2024 assembly elections, the JMM, Congress, and RJD contested the 18 seats of Santhal Pargana together, achieving a significant victory by winning 17 seats. The JMM secured 11 seats, the Congress won four, and the RJD won two. The constituency of Barhet, where Chief Minister Hemant Soren won, was among these. The BJP managed to secure only one seat, in the Jarmundi constituency. The political focus on Santhal Pargana stems from the perception that it holds the key to power in Jharkhand.