SWAMI DIVYA GYAN
Ranchi, Oct 23: As the political atmosphere heats up ahead of the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections, scheduled for November 13 and 20, tensions over seat sharing within the INDIA bloc—comprising the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist)—are becoming increasingly apparent. Despite ongoing discussions, the alliance partners have not reached a consensus on seat sharing, resulting in heightened internal pressure.
Meanwhile, the JMM, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, allowed some of its sitting MLAs to file nominations even before the official candidate list was released, indicating a confident stance amid the ongoing negotiations.
JMM’s Strategy
Recognizing the importance of securing its strongholds, the JMM has taken a proactive approach by allowing sitting MLAs to file nominations ahead of an official candidate list. Notable leaders such as Savita Mahto from Ichagarh, Mithilesh Thakur from Garhwa, and Anant Pratap Dev from Bhawanathpur have already submitted their nominations, signalling that the party is confident in its electoral strategy. Chief Minister Hemant Soren himself has purchased nomination papers from his Barhait constituency, while Lobin Hembrom has done the same from Borio.
This move shows that JMM is positioning itself strongly, despite the unresolved seat-sharing discussions within the alliance. The party’s decision to move forward with its candidates aims to prevent internal dissent and solidify its influence in key constituencies, especially where opposition parties could seek to capitalize on any alliance disagreements.
Congress’s Situation: Seat Deliberations Continue
For Congress, this election presents a significant challenge as it tries to strengthen its position in Jharkhand. The party has prioritized retaining its sitting MLAs by deciding to allot tickets based on their previous performance. Key constituencies such as Pakur, Barhi, Daltonganj, Dhanbad, and Panki are still under deliberation, with Congress set to release its second list of candidates soon.
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Congress is also relying on familial and caste dynamics in its candidate selection process, with the potential of giving tickets to the family members of prominent leaders. For example, Alamgir Alam’s family members in Pakur, and Abhijeet Raj in Dhanbad are being considered, showcasing the party’s emphasis on continuing familial political legacies.
RJD’s New Strategy
The RJD has announced its list of candidates, naming contestants from Deoghar, Godda, Koderma, Chatra, Bishrampur, and Hussainabad. Notably, Subhash Yadav, who is currently imprisoned, will contest from Koderma, a decision that could lead to criticism from opposition parties. Additionally, RJD has fielded Rashmi Prakash, the daughter-in-law of Minister Satyanand Bhokta, from the SC-reserved seat of Chatra, further highlighting the party’s focus on familial and caste-based electoral strategies.
Nomination Process Gains Momentum: Preparations for the Second Phase
The nomination process for the second phase of Jharkhand’s elections has begun, with several key constituencies witnessing a surge in activity. In regions like Santhal Pargana and Koylanchal, candidates have started purchasing nomination forms, signalling their intent to contest. In seats such as Rajmahal, Borio, Barhait, Godda, and Dumka, candidates have already acquired nomination papers, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle.
Hemant Soren’s decision to purchase nomination forms from Barhait and Lobin Hembrom’s from Borio further underscores the high-stakes nature of this election. The Santhal Pargana region, which holds significant political and historical importance for the JMM, is expected to be a crucial battleground.
Internal Tensions in INDIA Alliance and Future Strategies
The ongoing tension over seat sharing in the INDIA Alliance suggests that the process of coming to a unified understanding remains challenging. The alliance’s failure to resolve these differences could present an opportunity for the opposition, particularly the BJP and NDA, to exploit. Without a cohesive seat-sharing agreement, the INDIA Alliance risks weakening its electoral prospects, especially in constituencies where internal divisions could lead to fractured vote bases.
On the other hand, the NDA has not faced any major disputes over ticket distribution. Both the BJP and AJSU have maintained a clear focus on development, infrastructure, and employment as the core of their campaign, and have been strategically targeting key voter blocs such as OBCs and tribal voters.
Conclusion
The internal friction over seat sharing within the INDIA Alliance highlights the challenges it faces as the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections approach. While JMM has taken steps to safeguard its strongholds by allowing early nominations, the unresolved negotiations with alliance partners like Congress and RJD may weaken the coalition’s overall prospects. In contrast, the NDA appears more unified in its approach, promoting development and governance as the main electoral issues.
As the race intensifies, the strategic decisions made in the coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of these high-stakes elections. Whether the INDIA Alliance can overcome its internal tensions or if the NDA capitalizes on the situation remains to be seen. The 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections are shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape, with far-reaching implications for both regional and national politics.
