Kolhan’s political heavyweights faced a major setback as the Assembly poll results were announced on Saturday. Health Minister Banna Gupta, former Jamshedpur MP Dr. Ajoy Kumar, Meera Munda—the wife of former Chief Minister Arjun Munda—and senior BJP leader Dineshanand Goswami all suffered humiliating defeats in their respective constituencies, signaling a shift in voter sentiment in the Kolhan region.

Congress’s Banna Gupta, a prominent figure and Health Minister, fought a fierce battle against his long standing rival, Saryu Roy, in Jamshedpur West. In a nail-biting finish, Roy clinched victory by a margin of 33,000 votes, marking a significant blow to Gupta’s political career. Roy’s win underscores his enduring popularity in the region, despite Gupta’s high-profile role in the state government.

In Jamshedpur East, BJP’s Purnima Sahu delivered a landslide victory, defeating Congress candidate Dr. Ajoy Kumar by an overwhelming margin of over 47,000 votes. The counting process, conducted at Jamshedpur Cooperative College, was marked by high drama but ultimately confirmed Sahu’s dominance in the constituency. Independent candidate Shivshankar Singh failed to make a significant impact, garnering less than 10,000 votes.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) reinforced its stronghold in East Singhbhum, winning four out of the six Assembly seats declared so far. The party’s impressive performance highlighted its deep roots in the region and its ability to connect with local voters.

Jugsalai Constituency: Incumbent MLA Mangal Kalindi of JMM secured a decisive victory, defeating AJSU Party’s Ramchandra Sahis by over 40,000 votes. Kalindi’s triumph reaffirmed his position as a trusted leader in the constituency.

Potka Constituency: JMM’s Sanjeev Sardar emerged victorious over BJP’s Meera Munda, winning by a margin of approximately 18,000 votes. This defeat dealt a severe blow to the BJP, as Meera Munda’s candidacy was backed by her husband’s legacy and the party’s campaign machinery.

Ghatshila Constituency: Sitting MLA Ramdas Soren of JMM defeated BJP’s Baboolal Soren, the son of former Chief Minister Champai Soren, by a margin of over 20,000 votes. The result was seen as a significant endorsement of JMM’s governance and policies in the tribal-dominated area.

Baharagora Constituency: The JMM maintained its hold on this seat as Samir Mohanty defeated BJP’s Dr. Dineshanand Goswami by a similar margin. Goswami’s loss marked yet another disappointment for the BJP in the region.

The results indicate a strong resurgence of the JMM in Kolhan, undermining the BJP’s efforts to regain its foothold. The Congress, too, suffered a setback, with its senior leaders failing to make a mark. Analysts attribute JMM’s success to its robust grassroots network and focus on tribal issues, which resonate deeply in the region.

As the dust settles, these results will likely prompt major introspection within the BJP and Congress camps. Meanwhile, the JMM’s victories reinforce Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s leadership and bolster the party’s position ahead of future electoral battles.

The defeat of prominent leaders like Banna Gupta, Dr. Ajoy Kumar, and Meera Munda reflects a shift in voter sentiment, emphasizing the need for all parties to reassess their strategies. With JMM’s dominance in East Singhbhum, the political landscape of Kolhan appears to be undergoing a significant transformation, paving the way for new challenges and opportunities in Jharkhand’s evolving political scenario.