The 2024 Jharkhand Assembly Election results indicate a substantial victory for the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc, projected to secure approximately 56 seats in the 81-member assembly, while the opposition BJP-led NDA is expected to win 24 seats and others 1.
Former JMM leaders who shifted loyalty to the BJP are trailing in their constituencies, revealing a lack of voter support for these candidates.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren is poised to continue in power following this election, which saw a voter turnout of approximately 67.74% across two phases on November 13 and 20.
What factors are contributing to the INDIA bloc’s return to prominence in Jharkhand?
Sympathy for Hemant Soren: Following his arrest, public sentiment shifted towards Soren, enhancing support for his party. His wife, Kalpana Soren, effectively led the campaign, portraying the JMM as victims of political vendetta by the BJP.
BJP’s Lack of Leadership: The BJP struggled to present a strong chief ministerial candidate, undermining its campaign efforts and allowing the JMM-led alliance to capitalize on this weakness.
Political Mobilization: The INDIA bloc successfully mobilized various regional parties and addressed local issues such as tribal rights and welfare, resonating with the electorate’s priorities.
High Voter Turnout: A record turnout of 67.74% indicated strong voter engagement, particularly among women, which benefited the ruling coalition.
Welfare Schemes: The JMM focused on its Maiya Samman Yojana, providing financial aid to women, which appealed strongly to female voters.
Tribal Identity: The party emphasized tribal pride and rights, leveraging Hemant Soren’s narrative of being a victim of political persecution to garner sympathy and support.
What key strategic mistakes were made by the BJP during the campaign?
Lack of a Strong CM Candidate: The absence of a clear chief ministerial face weakened the party’s appeal, making it difficult to rally voter support effectively.
Overreliance on Political Raids: The use of ED and CBI raids against opposition leaders was seen as politically motivated, leading to sympathy for the JMM and its allies.
Neglecting Core Issues: The BJP failed to address pressing local concerns, such as unemployment and economic distress, leading to voter dissatisfaction and a loss of trust in their governance.
Corruption Allegations: The BJP targeted the JMM over corruption charges against Hemant Soren, framing it as a major issue. But did not succeed in focusing voters.
Illegal Immigration: The BJP campaigned on concerns about illegal immigration from Bangladesh, asserting it threatened local resources and tribal rights, and promised to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Jharkhand. But failed to capture voters’ attention in Jharkhand.
