Jharkhand Mukti Morcha JMM
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), with Chief Minister Hemant Soren at the helm, looks confident of coming to power in the next 2024 Assembly Elections. Thus, the party’s sound governance performance, its affirmation with the INDIA bloc, and effective alliance-building put it on a strong foundation to sustain its lead.
Hemant Soren and the Vision
Hemant Soren’s administration has helped him crystallize the JMM’s status. His emphasis on tribal welfare, rural development, and important state issues has reaped votes for him. It is due to his regime’s ability to regularly involve marginalized communities that Soren has emerged as a super popular leader cutting across both tribal and non-tribal sections of society
Then and now, Soren’s initiatives on crisis management-in managing the COVID-19 pandemic to the return of stranded migrant workers-have cemented his reputation as compassionate and effective.
Policy Initiatives That Strike a Chord in the Masses
- Pro-tribal and Inclusive Policies: The JMM has ensured tribal land rights through legislations such as the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act. Hemant Soren has been vocal about protecting these rights against motions to deresolve them
- Education and Employment: The Soren government initiated policies regarding education and the engagement of youth in jobs. The skill-based programs have begun to attract attention, particularly in the rural areas.
- Social Welfare Schemes: Direct cash transfer to farmers, less expensive healthcare, and food subsidy under the Public Distribution System have significantly benefited the rural voters.
- Philanthropy by the Mining Revenue Distribution: Jharkhand with its rich mineral reserves has seen an active effort from the government of Soren towards making it justly share out the mining revenues with the local population. Alliance strategy with INDIA Bloc
JMM has benefited with Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) under the INDIA bloc. The two have now decided to contest 70 out of the 81 seats to be contested, leaving the remainder to other smaller allies. This new united front is likely to counter effectively the BJP-led NDA, which is contesting with its traditional allies- Despite minor disagreements over seat-sharing, the coalition remains committed to ousting the BJP, as demonstrated in its joint campaigns and strategic planning.
BJP’s Challenges and JMM’s Advantage
BJP’s earlier stint in Jharkhand was marred by its inability to ride the interests of the Scheduled Tribes. Hemant Soren’s administration has been very different, with a strong focus on social justice and bottom-up development.
Besides, when there are allegations of corruption scandals tied to some of the BJP leaders and its inability to connect with the tribal electorate, the scales have become decidedly in favor of JMM.
Electoral Strength in Tribal Regions
The party has been relatively sound in tribal constituencies like Santhal Pargana and Kolhan. It is strategizing to sustain its strong hold on such constituencies while projecting its influence in urban and semi-urban areas.
In arguing for the cause of tribal rights and resisting policies pushing for privatisation at the cost of the tribal population, JMM has earned a committed following among its voters.
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Public Perception and Grassroots Link
Public sentiment is in favor of JMM due to its grassroot approach. Leaders like Shibu Soren-a veteran tribal leader and mentor to Hemant Soren-continue to command respect. This being a familial legacy, along with modern policy implementation, ensures a broad appeal
Conclusion
Strong leadership along with policies that are inclusive, allied with strategic alliances, will put the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha on the victorious side. The popularity of Hemant Soren, boosted by good governance and a sound campaign strategy, is expected to give the party an upper hand in the elections. Its potential to address the aspirations of the diverse population in Jharkhand could put it in first position for another term.
