Jharkhand election is a crucial test for the ruling coalition as well as for the BJP, which seeks to reclaim its hold

The Jharkhand Assembly elections commenced with the first phase of voting on November 13, with 43 seats across 15 districts up for grabs. This election marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape, where two key coalitions—the BJP and the INDIA bloc led by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress—are locked in a fierce battle for control of the Assembly. With high-profile candidates, pressing issues and a focus on tribal constituencies, the stakes are incredibly high for both camps. Jharkhand, carved out of Bihar in 2000, has been a battleground for various political parties, with the BJP historically dominating the state. However, in the last Assembly elections in 2019, the BJP lost power, managing to secure only 25 seats out of the total 81. The JMM emerged as the largest party, winning 30 seats and subsequently forming a coalition government with the Congress, which won 16 seats and the RJD, which held one. This alliance brought Hemant Soren of the JMM into the Chief Minister’s seat, where he has served for the last five years. Hemant Soren’s tenure, however, has faced turbulence, including a brief removal from office after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a corruption case. Despite these setbacks, Soren has returned to the political stage with a renewed campaign to lead the INDIA bloc’s bid for re-election.

The election campaign has highlighted multiple contentious issues. One of the most polarising topics has been “Bangladeshi infiltration.” Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is spearheading the BJP’s campaign in Jharkhand, has accused the Hemant Soren-led administration of facilitating illegal migration from Bangladesh for political benefits. Soren, in response, has accused the BJP of sowing communal discord in the state, with support from Congress’s national leadership. His counter-campaign has focused on emphasising the BJP’s alleged divisive politics and positioning the JMM-led INDIA bloc as a safeguard for Jharkhand’s communal harmony and tribal rights.The first phase features several high-stakes contests with major political figures. Among these is the Seraikella seat, where former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, who recently left the JMM after four decades to join the BJP, will contest. In Jamshedpur East, Congress’s Ajoy Kumar faces off against BJP’s Purnima Das Sahu. In Jamshedpur West, Congress Health Minister Banna Gupta is up against JD(U) leader Saryu Roy, who gained fame after defeating Raghubar Das in 2019 when Das was the sitting Chief Minister. For the BJP, regaining control in Jharkhand is crucial in their larger national strategy to consolidate power in eastern India, especially given their historical dominance in the state. The INDIA bloc, however, views retaining Jharkhand as a cornerstone for strengthening their coalition at a national level. Ultimately, it is the voter sentiment on the ground and the influence of tribal constituencies which are likely to play decisive roles in Jharkhand elections.