SWAMI DIVYA GYAN
As the Jharkhand Assembly elections 2024 approach, two major political parties—Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)—are facing significant challenges in balancing coordination between new and old leaders, as well as reconciling differences in ideology. Several key leaders from both parties have recently defected from other parties, which has not only altered the electoral dynamics but also increased organisational dissent and difficulties in maintaining internal harmony. This election is not just a battle for seats; it’s a test of organisational coordination, ideological alignment, and support from party workers for both parties.
BJP’s Situation: Welcoming New Faces and Challenge of Hindu Nationalist Ideology
The BJP, known for its strong adherence to Hindutva ideology and disciplined organisational structure, is welcoming a large number of new leaders in this election. However, the past political alignments and ideologies of these new entrants pose a significant challenge in aligning with the party’s existing framework and workers.
Dr Manju and Kamlesh Singh
Dr Manju (Jamua) and Kamlesh Singh (Hussainabad) were known as prominent supporters of the Muslim community in their respective constituencies before joining the BJP. Dr Manju had always championed Muslim community interests during her time in Congress and had opposed organisations like Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, and Hindu Jagran Manch on multiple occasions. Similarly, Kamlesh Singh had maintained close ties with the Muslim community in Hussainabad and focused his political strategy on garnering Muslim votes.
Also Read: Jharkhand Weather: Cyclone Dana to trigger heavy rain in southern parts on Oct 24-25
Now that both leaders have joined the BJP, their biggest challenge is to harmonize with the party’s staunch Hindu workers and Hindu nationalist organizations. Although there are possibilities for Dr Manju and Kamlesh Singh to work and align with these Hindu organizations, their past affiliations may present some difficulties. Obstacles may arise, especially where the party’s ideological elements come into play. Among the BJP’s old guard, questions linger about how these leaders, who previously centred their politics on Muslim support, will now adjust to the BJP’s Hindutva-focused ideology.
Possibilities and Challenges of Coordination with Party Workers
Among local BJP workers, there is a sense of mistrust toward these new leaders. Party workers, who are deeply ingrained in the BJP’s ideology and have long-standing connections with Hindu organisations, find it difficult to understand how Dr Manju and Kamlesh Singh, who once opposed these Hindu nationalist organisations, will now fit into the party. While there are possibilities that these leaders can build harmony with the workers, they are still likely to face potential disagreement and challenges in establishing themselves.
Also Read: Jharkhand BJP Christian leader who once defeated Hemant Soren joins JMM
Geeta Koda
In contrast, Geeta Koda, who joined the BJP earlier, has set a successful example of how new leaders can integrate into the party. During the Lok Sabha elections, Geeta Koda joined the BJP and managed to establish excellent coordination with party workers. She not only embraced the BJP’s ideology but also developed strong relations with local party members, making her a stable and widely accepted leader within the party. Her example demonstrates that coordination is possible, but it requires time, effort, and the right political strategy.
Champai Soren and Lobin Hembrom
Similarly, Champai Soren and Lobin Hembrom, who defected from JMM to join the BJP, have also strengthened their positions by establishing good coordination with party workers. Champai Soren, a prominent leader of the tribal community, balanced his relationship with his supporters and long-time BJP workers after joining the party. Lobin Hembrom also worked to harmonize with BJP workers, allowing him to perform effectively during the elections.
These leaders show that coordination is possible if the leaders take the time to understand the party’s structure and invest in building relationships with party workers. In the case of Champai Soren and Lobin Hembrom, they strengthened their influence within the organization and successfully coordinated with the party’s workers.
JMM’s Situation
The JMM is also facing difficulties in integrating the new leaders who have defected from the BJP into its organisational structure. Leaders such as Ganesh Mahali, Basko Besra, Bari Murmu, and Kunal Sarangi, who previously held strong positions in the BJP, are now attempting to continue their political journey within the JMM. However, their past political associations and their alignment with BJP’s Hindutva ideology may cause difficulties in coordinating with JMM’s Muslim and tribal organizations.
Ganesh Mahali and Kunal Sarangi
Ganesh Mahali and Kunal Sarangi, both seen as staunch Hindutva and tribal leaders in the BJP, are now trying to align themselves with JMM’s Muslim and tribal organizations. Although they have leadership skills and political acumen, it could be challenging for them to navigate their past associations and build a new harmony with their current organizational structure. There are possibilities that if these leaders take timely steps, they can establish successful coordination with these groups, but some obstacles are likely to emerge.
Possibilities of Discontent Among Muslim and Tribal Organisations
There is a perception among JMM’s Muslim and tribal workers that these defected leaders from the BJP could weaken the party’s core ideological foundation. Due to their past affiliation with the BJP’s Hindutva agenda, there could be potential discontent and dissatisfaction among the party’s grassroots workers. However, if the party leadership plays a critical role in ensuring smooth coordination, this disagreement can be resolved, though it is likely that some ideological conflicts may persist.
BJP and JMM: Both Parties Facing a Similar Challenge
Both major parties—BJP and JMM—are facing a similar challenge, though the complexities differ. For the BJP, there are both possibilities and difficulties for Muslim-supporting leaders to harmonize with the party’s Hindu nationalist workers. Meanwhile, for JMM, BJP leaders with a Hindutva image may face potential challenges in building harmony with Muslim and tribal organizations.
Impact on Election Outcomes
For both major parties, the challenges of organisational coordination and ideological differences could have a significant impact on the Jharkhand Assembly elections in 2024. If the BJP and JMM succeed in creating harmony between their new and old leaders, it could bolster their electoral performance.
Conclusion
The 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections are not just a battle for seats but a test of ideology, organisational coordination, and leadership. Both parties—BJP and JMM—face the challenge of balancing the dynamics between their new and old leaders. BJP needs to reconcile the past political affiliations of Dr. Manju and Kamlesh Singh with the party’s current Hindu nationalist agenda, while JMM must successfully integrate leaders like Ganesh Mahali,
