SUMAN K. SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, November 12: As Jharkhand marks 25 years of statehood, Babulal Marandi’s journey mirrors the twists and turns of the state itself — from being handpicked by Atal Bihari Vajpayee as its first Chief Minister, to years in political exile, and finally his return as the BJP’s tallest leader in the state.
‘Atalji Told Me: Resign and Go to Jharkhand’
When Parliament passed the Jharkhand Statehood Bill in August 2000, Marandi — then Minister of State for Forest and Environment — got a call from Brajesh Mishra, the powerful Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Vajpayee.
“He said just two lines — Istifa de do aur Jharkhand jakar kaam karo (Resign and go to Jharkhand to work),” Marandi recalled.
“I didn’t ask questions. I called my secretary, typed my resignation, and submitted it.”
At the time, Marandi was known as a giant killer for defeating Shibu Soren and, later, his wife, Rupi Soren, from Dumka in the 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha elections, respectively — a political feat that established him as one of Jharkhand’s most dynamic young leaders.
How Birsa Munda’s Anniversary Became Jharkhand’s Foundation Day
Shortly after, L.K. Advani, the then Deputy Prime Minister, asked Marandi two crucial questions — when to create the new state, and who should lead it.
“I suggested that the state be dedicated to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and thus November 15— his birth anniversary — was chosen as Jharkhand Foundation Day,” Marandi said.
When it came to choosing the first Chief Minister, BJP President Bangaru Laxman consulted all MLAs. “Maybe that’s how my name emerged,” Marandi said with characteristic modesty.
Veteran leader Karia Munda was also in contention for the post. “He was senior and honest, but perhaps my connect with the grassroots worked in my favour,” Marandi reflected.
Humble Beginnings in Giridih
Born in Kodaibank village under the Tisri block of Giridih district, Marandi hails from a Santal tribal family. After completing high school, he studied at Giridih College, where he first came into contact with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) — a connection that would shape his life.
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He later moved to Ranchi, earning a postgraduate degree in Geography from Ranchi University, and briefly worked as a primary school teacher before giving up the job to dedicate himself fully to the Sangh Parivar.
As the organising secretary of the Jharkhand region of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Marandi immersed himself in grassroots work. In 1983, he moved to Dumka, travelling extensively across the Santhal Pargana region and forging deep bonds with local communities.
The Early Days: A Young Chief Minister in a New State
Marandi’s appointment marked the dawn of a new chapter. “Selecting BJP ministers was easy — we balanced social and regional representation,” he said. “But alliance ministers created friction, trying to overstep procedures. When I insisted on rules, they rebelled. But I stood firm.”
Years in the Political Wilderness
Marandi’s tenure as Chief Minister ended in 2003, and his relationship with the BJP gradually soured. In 2006, he quit the party to form the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik). For the next 14 years, he struggled to find a political footing, even as the BJP alternated in power with regional coalitions.
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Despite his reputation as a leader with grassroots appeal, Marandi’s new outfit failed to significantly challenge the BJP or the JMM in successive elections.
The Return to BJP and Political Resurrection
In 2020, after the BJP’s defeat in the 2019 Jharkhand Assembly Elections, Marandi dissolved his party and rejoined the BJP. He was appointed Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly, but a procedural impasse arose when the Speaker refused to recognise his position.
Eventually, the BJP replaced him with Amar Bauri as the official LoP and appointed him the party state president.
Back at the Helm: BJP President and LoP Again
After the 2024 Assembly Elections, the BJP once again fell short of forming a government in Jharkhand. However, Marandi’s organisational experience and broad appeal led to his appointment as the State BJP President. In an unusual development, he now holds both roles — Party President and Leader of the Opposition — underscoring the central leadership’s faith in him as the party’s key face in Jharkhand.
From being told by Atalji to “go to Jharkhand and work,” to leading the party in its 25th year in the state, Babulal Marandi’s journey embodies persistence, resilience, and a deep connection with Jharkhand’s people.
