How Hemant Soren kept BJP at bay in Jharkhand as tribal bastion bucked big trend back to back

Ranchi: Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) successfully kept the impressive electoral might of the BJP at bay for a second time, thwarting apparent bids to polarise the state known as a tribal stronghold on religious lines.

The JMM-led alliance secured a victory against the BJP in the state assembly elections. This marks the second consecutive defeat for the BJP in Jharkhand.

Soren, as part of INDIA bloc, delivered the goods even though the BJP combo of 'name, network, resources and rhetoric' was a huge challenge to overcome, a ToI report (by Subodh Ghildiyal) said on November 24.


The alliance, comprising JMM, Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), is poised to form the government with Hemant Soren, the JMM leader, as Chief Minister for a second term. The victory echoes a similar outcome from five years ago when the same alliance had dethroned the BJP from power.

The BJP had employed a high-octane campaign, bringing in prominent leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. However, their efforts fell short against the JMM-led alliance, which focused on local issues and emphasized the state's unique identity.

The BJP's strategy, seemingly aimed at polarising the electorate along religious lines, proved ineffective in Jharkhand. Notably, in 2019, Prime Minister Modi, addressing a rally in the state, had stated, "Those who are setting fire (to property) can be identified by their clothes." This time, despite deploying similar tactics, the BJP couldn't sway the voters.

Political analysts attribute the JMM-led alliance's victory to a combination of factors, including the successful consolidation of tribal votes, the appeal of Soren as a native leader, and the support from OBC and minority communities.

Additionally, welfare schemes like the "Maiyya Samman" monthly financial assistance for women are believed to have played a crucial role in the alliance's success.