Former Chief Minister Champai Soren, who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has filed his nomination from the Seraikela constituency for the upcoming state assembly elections. This is one of 43 seats set to vote in the first phase on November 13. Soren’s nomination adds to a high-stakes political atmosphere, where he will face off against JMM’s candidate, Ganesh Mahli, a recent BJP defector.
The nomination process for the first phase opened on October 18 and is scheduled to close today, October 25. As of yesterday, 433 candidates had filed nominations for the 43 constituencies, reflecting the intensity of the electoral race. The elections will take place in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with results expected on November 23.
Soren, who left the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) in August citing “insult” and “humiliation” by party leaders, joined the BJP and quickly took up the saffron flag, claiming the party has significant support across Jharkhand. "There is a wave in favor of the BJP in the Kolhan region and the entire state. The BJP will win all 81 seats and form the government this time,” Soren stated confidently, marking a decisive shift in Jharkhand’s political dynamics.
Soren also highlighted what he described as a demographic issue in the Santhal Pargana region, where he alleged that the tribal population has been decreasing due to Bangladeshi infiltration, a problem he claims the current JMM-led government has failed to address. "The present government in Jharkhand has never worked to stop Bangladeshi infiltrators," Soren alleged, underscoring the BJP’s focus on issues of immigration and demographic security.
Meanwhile, the JMM, aiming to retain Seraikela , has fielded Ganesh Mahli as its candidate. Mahli, who previously held affiliations with the BJP, defected to the JMM and was formally nominated by the party on October 24. His defection to the JMM adds a twist to the race, with both Mahli and Soren positioned as critical figures in this electoral battle.
The filing process for the second phase has already started and will conclude on October 29. With political rivalries and intense campaigning underway, Jharkhand's electorate faces a significant decision in the weeks leading up to the polls.
In a counter-move to Soren's candidacy, the JMM nominated Ganesh Mahli as its candidate for Seraikela . Mahli, who recently defected from the BJP to join the JMM, represents the fluidity and competitiveness in Jharkhand's political landscape. His defection to the JMM adds complexity to the Seraikela race, symbolizing the ongoing reshuffling of alliances based on strategic electoral considerations. Mahli’s selection was confirmed in the JMM’s fourth list of candidates, released on October 24, reinforcing the JMM’s commitment to fortifying its candidate lineup against former allies who have moved to the BJP.
Mahli's entry signifies the JMM’s resolve to retain control of Seraikela , a constituency where the party has previously garnered support. His insider knowledge of the BJP and its regional strategies could also benefit the JMM in countering the BJP’s narrative and appealing to voters who are ambivalent about the shifting political dynamics.
