SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, March 23: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has entered the Assam Assembly election fray by fielding 21 candidates, signalling an ambitious attempt to expand beyond its home turf and tap into the politically crucial tea tribe vote bank.
The party’s strategy is centred on tea garden communities—Adivasi groups with ancestral roots in Jharkhand—who were brought to Assam during the colonial period and today play a decisive role in nearly 40 of the state’s 126 constituencies.
Tea Tribes: Decisive Vote Bank
Tea tribes, comprising communities such as Oraon, Munda, Santhal, Ho, and Kharia, have long remained economically and socially marginalised despite being central to Assam’s tea economy. They continue to demand better wages, land rights, social security, and Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Known for high voter turnout and en bloc voting patterns, the community often determines outcomes in tightly contested seats, particularly in Upper Assam.
Shift from Congress to BJP
Traditionally aligned with the Congress—supported by trade union networks like INTUC—the tea tribe vote has shifted significantly toward the BJP over the past decade.
This shift has been driven by welfare measures and targeted outreach. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent distribution of land pattas to tea tribe families is seen as a key intervention aimed at providing economic security and dignity.
As a result, a large section of the community is now inclined toward the BJP, although some pockets remain loyal to the Congress.
Failed Alliance Talks with Congress
Ahead of the polls, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi had visited Ranchi over a week ago to meet JMM leadership, fuelling speculation about a possible alliance between the two parties in Assam.
However, according to reports, seat-sharing talks did not materialise as the Congress was willing to offer only seven seats. Following this, the JMM decided to go solo and contest independently to test its strength in the state.
JMM’s Strategy: Identity and Mobilisation
The JMM is attempting to leverage ethnic and cultural ties, positioning itself as a natural representative of Adivasi interests. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has led the campaign with a focus on land rights, dignity, and political representation.
The party has fielded candidates mainly in Upper Assam constituencies such as Doom Dooma, Rangapara, Sarupathar, and Biswanath—areas with a significant tea tribe population and several BJP-held seats.
However, most of its candidates are relatively unknown in Assam’s political landscape.
Electoral Impact: Vote Split Likely?
Guwahati-based senior journalist Anup Sarma noted that the JMM’s move could influence electoral arithmetic. “Most of these seats are in Upper Assam ( Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Shivsagar and Jorhat districts) with a sizeable tea tribe population, and many have BJP sitting MLAs. JMM contesting alone appears to be a tactic to split BJP votes and indirectly benefit the Congress,” he said.
He also pointed out that, barring a few exceptions, the candidates lack strong local recognition, which could limit JMM’s immediate prospects.
Political observers believe that while the BJP currently retains a strong hold over tea tribe voters, even a partial shift or split in votes could impact outcomes in closely contested constituencies.
At the same time, voting behaviour in these regions has shown volatility in the past.
High Stakes in Tea Belt Politics
With tea tribes influencing nearly 40 constituencies, JMM’s entry adds a new dimension to Assam’s electoral contest. Whether it emerges as a serious player or primarily a vote-splitter will depend on its ability to quickly build trust and organisation on the ground.
For now, the BJP remains dominant in the tea belt, but the evolving dynamics suggest a more competitive electoral battle.
JMM Candidates and Constituencies
Mazbat – Priti Rekha Barla; Biswanath – Teharu Gour; Khumtai – Amit Nag; Chabua – Bhuben Murari; Gossaingaon – Phedricson Hasda; Sonari – Baldev Teli; Duliajan – Peter Minj; Rongonadi – Paban Sautal; Digboi – Bharat Nayak; Bhergaon – Prabhat Das Panika; Tingkhong – Mahabir Baske; Barchalla – Abdul Mazan; Rangapara – Mathew Topno; Margherita – Jemal Minj; Naharkatia – Sanjay Bagh; Makum – Muna Karmakar; Doomdooma – Ratnakar Tati; Sarupathar – Sahil Munda; Titabor – Sonia; Bokajan (ST) – Pratapching Rangphar; Khowang – Prabhakar Das
