Jharkhand News: Threat to Behead Hemant Soren’s Nominee Mandal Murmu After Joining BJP, Champai Soren Condemns as Lowest Level of Politics

Ranchi, November 06, 2024: In a disturbing development amid Jharkhand’s heated political climate, Mandal Murmu, a key figure in Jharkhand’s Santhal community and nominee for Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has reportedly received a threat to his life after his recent decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mandal Murmu, who holds the legacy of freedom fighters Sidhu and Kanhu, aligned with the BJP, leading to a surge in tensions as the 2024 Jharkhand assembly elections approach.

Threat Against Mandal Murmu Goes Viral

The controversy escalated after a message circulated in a WhatsApp group reportedly offering a bounty of ₹50 lakh to anyone who beheads Murmu. The message allegedly came from a representative of the Sidhu-Kanhu Baisi Committee, sparking a wave of outrage and widespread calls for immediate action. Jharkhand police promptly arrested an individual connected to the threat and an investigation is underway to assess the full scope of the situation.

Champai Soren Denounces Threat, Calls It “Lowest Level of Politics”

यह राजनीति का निम्नतम स्तर है। ऐसी धमकियों को नजरअंदाज नहीं किया जा सकता।@JharkhandPolice @sahibganjpolic2 से अनुरोध है कि ऐसी आपराधिक मानसिकता वाले लोगों के खिलाफ कठोर कार्रवाई करें। @ceojharkhand @dc_sahibganj कृपया श्री मंडल मुर्मू के परिवार की सुरक्षा का इंतजाम करें। https://t.co/pOxVzEQuJb

— Champai Soren (@ChampaiSoren) November 6, 2024

Reacting strongly to the incident, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren condemned the threat as a new low in political discourse. He urged the state’s authorities to act decisively against individuals propagating criminal threats in the name of politics. Champai Soren took to social media, demanding swift and stringent measures by Jharkhand police and requested election authorities to ensure the safety of Mandal Murmu and his family.

“This threat marks the lowest level of politics. Such criminal-minded elements must face immediate action to maintain order and safety in our state,” Soren stated.

Political Ramifications as Jharkhand Assembly Elections Loom

The incident has deepened the political rift between parties, with the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) raising concerns about BJP’s recent influence on key figures in Jharkhand’s tribal communities. Mandal Murmu, who was an important supporter for CM Hemant Soren during his election from the Barhait constituency, took the political establishment by surprise with his decision to join the BJP, accompanied by BJP leaders including Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The public feud has spotlighted the underlying tensions in Jharkhand’s tribal belt, traditionally a stronghold for the JMM. With BJP’s strategic moves to gain influence in these areas, analysts predict that the incident may impact voter sentiment in the upcoming elections.

As security measures intensify around Mandal Murmu, this incident has brought the issue of political violence and communal threats into the spotlight, underscoring the need for a secure and peaceful electoral environment in Jharkhand.