SWAMI DIVYA GYAN
Ranchi, Oct 22: As the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) grapples with internal turmoil due to dissatisfaction over ticket distribution. With the release of the party’s first list of 66 candidates, several key leaders have resigned, while influential regional leaders have shifted their allegiance to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), further complicating the electoral landscape.
Resignations or Strategic Rebellion?
The resignations within the BJP aren’t just a result of immediate frustration; they appear to be part of a calculated strategy. Leaders like Menaka Sardar, Sandeep Verma, Ganesh Mahli, Chunna Singh, and Mistri Soren stepping away from the party indicates a deeper dissatisfaction level. The root of the unrest seems to lie not just in ticket denial but in the growing disconnect between the party’s central leadership and its regional leaders.
Menaka Sardar, a three-time MLA from Potka, resigned after being denied a ticket but later withdrew her resignation. Sources suggest that after discussions with party leadership and certain assurances, she decided to stay. This incident highlights the fragile internal dynamics within the BJP and the balancing act between maintaining loyalty and addressing the personal ambitions of experienced leaders.
Satyanand Jha Batul: A Solo Strategy Emerges
Political heavyweight Satyanand Jha Batul in the Nala region opted to go independent after being overlooked for a BJP ticket. His resignation wasn’t an impulsive act but a reflection of growing discontent among party veterans who feel marginalised. Sources close to Batul say that the friction with the party’s central leadership had been simmering for months, and his decision to contest independently was the culmination of these tensions.
By running as an independent, Batul risk splitting the BJP’s traditional vote bank in Nala, potentially opening the door for the opposition. Political analysts have already begun speculating that this move could significantly alter the electoral outcome in the constituency.
Influential Leaders Defect to JMM: A Major Shift
The biggest shock to the BJP’s electoral hopes came when three key figures left the party to join the JMM. Each of these leaders wields significant influence in their respective regions, and their defection has dramatically altered the political landscape in Jharkhand:
Louis Marandi: A former Cabinet Minister from Dumka, Marandi’s exit from the BJP has created a leadership vacuum in Dumka, where she has long been a dominant force. Her shift to the JMM is seen as a major setback for the BJP in the tribal heartland.
Kunal Sarangi: The former MLA from Baharagora brings considerable influence to his constituency. His decision to join the JMM strengthens the party’s foothold in the Baharagora area, which could significantly affect voting patterns.
Ganesh Mahli: A strong leader from the Kolhan region, Mahli’s move to the JMM is another blow to the BJP, especially in the strategically important Kolhan area. His influence in the region is expected to help the JMM consolidate its voter base in what has been a contested battleground.
These defections signal a significant realignment of political forces in Jharkhand, with the JMM emerging as a stronger competitor in key constituencies. Political observers note that this exodus further complicates the BJP’s election strategy, particularly in areas where the JMM already enjoys robust support from tribal populations.
Mistri Soren: Another Setback for BJP
Former BJP MLA Mistri Soren from Maheshpur has also resigned from the party, citing dissatisfaction with the ticket distribution process. Soren’s resignation highlights the frustration among regional leaders who feel overlooked by the central leadership. His departure has weakened the BJP’s hold in Maheshpur, where he has considerable influence, and is yet another blow to the party’s grip on tribal constituencies.
Potential Independent Candidates: Sant Kumar Yadav, Kiranmala Bada, and Ashish Barla
While some leaders have defected to the JMM, others are contemplating running independently. According to sources, Sant Kumar Yadav from Rajmahal Vidhan Sabha, Kiranmala Bada, the Zila Parishad President, and Ashish Barla from the Natak Kala Sanskriti Manch are all considering contesting as independents. These figures have strong regional influence, and if they enter the race, it could further fragment the vote base, complicating the BJP’s prospects.
The presence of these independent candidates could lead to a divided electorate, making the political landscape even more unpredictable for BJP and other parties alike.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Story?
The dissatisfaction within the BJP goes beyond the surface issue of ticket distribution. Political insiders suggest that the BJP’s top-down approach has alienated its regional leaders, who feel increasingly sidelined by the central leadership.
A senior BJP member remarked, “It’s not just about ticket denial. The leadership has failed to engage meaningfully with its regional pillars. Many leaders have been voicing their concerns for a long time, but their voices went unheard.” These resignations, therefore, seem to be the culmination of long-standing frustrations rather than isolated incidents.
The Challenge Ahead: New Strategy or Major Setback?
The BJP now stands at a critical juncture—either it addresses the underlying issues driving these resignations, or it risks facing a major electoral setback. Leaders like Satyanand Jha Batul, Ganesh Mahli, Mistri Soren, and others are not just candidates; they are influential figures with deep regional connections. Losing them could cost the BJP dearly in key constituencies.
Meanwhile, the defections of Louis Marandi, Kunal Sarangi, and Ganesh Mahli to JMM have further compounded BJP’s challenge in securing crucial areas.
Political strategists believe that while these resignations pose a significant challenge, they also present an opportunity for the BJP to reorganise, realign its strategies, and focus on maintaining party unity while integrating new allies.
Conclusion: The Political Drama Unfolds
As the dust settles from these resignations and defections, one thing is clear—this is no ordinary political turbulence. What is unfolding in Jharkhand is the potential for a realignment of political forces that could reshape the state’s political landscape. The BJP, once seemingly unshakeable, now finds itself in a precarious position, as its leaders are leaving to join its primary competitor, the JMM.
However, it’s important to remember that the BJP has weathered similar storms before. Take Haryana, for example, where around 250 BJP leaders resigned during the election season, yet the party managed to form the government on its own. This suggests that, despite the current turmoil, the BJP has historically shown resilience and an ability to bounce back from internal fractures.
As Jharkhand moves closer to the 2024 Assembly elections, the road ahead will be filled with unexpected twists and turns. Whether the BJP can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger remains to be seen. For now, the party must address its internal dissent and unify its ranks before it’s too late.
The question remains: Will these resignations be a temporary setback, or are they the beginning of a broader exodus that could derail the BJP’s campaign? Or will the JMM’s new recruits tip the balance in their favour? The answer lies in how the BJP manages the unrest and shifting alliances within its ranks.