Jharkhand Politics: JMM Releases First List for 35 Seats, Hemant Soren to Contest from Barhait, Basant Soren from Dumka

Ranchi, October 23, 2024: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, featuring Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his brother, Basant Soren, as key candidates.

Hemant Soren will be contesting from the Barhait constituency, while Basant Soren will represent Dumka. This announcement sets the stage for an intense electoral battle in the state, with JMM taking strategic steps to secure its dominance.

JMM Candidate List: Key Details

The list released by JMM includes candidates for 35 assembly seats across the state. Chief Minister Hemant Soren will once again contest from Barhait, a constituency he has represented for years. Basant Soren, currently serving as an MLA from Dumka, will also be in the fray from the same seat. In a significant move, JMM has decided to re-nominate 22 sitting MLAs, reflecting their confidence in the current leadership.

Other notable candidates on the list include Kalpana Soren, contesting from Gandey, and prominent leaders such as Jagat Manjhi, who has been nominated from Manoharpur. This announcement highlights the party’s strategy to maintain its existing strongholds while also making changes to boost its prospects in key areas.

Key Changes and New Candidates

The candidate list has introduced some key changes, with JMM opting for a blend of seasoned politicians and fresh faces. For instance, Dinesh William Marandi, who previously held the Litiipara seat, will be replaced by Hemlal Murmu. This switch indicates the party’s strategic repositioning to enhance its chances in regions where the political landscape has shifted.

Additionally, Chunna Singh, who recently joined JMM, has been given the ticket to contest from Sarath. His inclusion highlights the party’s effort to attract influential local leaders who can bring in substantial voter support. Meanwhile, Kunal Shadangi, a notable figure who defected from the BJP, was anticipated to contest from Baharagora but missed out, with the ticket going to Sameer Mohanty instead.

Background on Key Candidates

Hemant Soren has been a pivotal figure for JMM, leading the party and the state as Chief Minister. His decision to continue from Barhait underscores his deep connection with the constituency. Basant Soren, on the other hand, has been actively representing Dumka and his candidacy ensures continuity in one of JMM’s key constituencies.

New faces like Chunna Singh and Hemlal Murmu bring diverse backgrounds and strengths. Chunna’s nomination signifies JMM’s outreach to consolidate its base in Sarath, while Hemlal Murmu’s candidacy is seen as a tactical move to reclaim dominance in Litipara.

Geopolitical Context: Alliances and Rivalries

The JMM’s announcement comes amid intense competition, primarily with the BJP, which is aiming to regain its foothold in Jharkhand. The decisions made in this list suggest that JMM is consolidating its position in critical regions like Dumka, Barhait and Chandankiyari, where political dynamics have been particularly fluid.

In Chandankiyari, for example, the inclusion of Umakant Rajak, who left the AJSU party, illustrates a strategic rivalry with BJP’s Amar Bauri. Similarly, the decision to field Kedar Hazra in Jamua shows JMM’s intent to strengthen its presence against strong BJP candidates.

Anticipated Future Announcements

While the first list addresses 35 seats, there are still key constituencies where JMM is yet to finalize its candidates. Ranchi, Seraikela and Jama are some of the major seats that remain undecided. Speculations suggest that Mahua Maji, a current MP, might receive the ticket for Ranchi, while former BJP leader Louis Marandi could make a comeback in Jama.

These impending announcements are likely to provide further insight into JMM’s broader electoral strategy, particularly in constituencies where multi-cornered contests are expected.

In summary, the release of this candidate list underscores JMM’s approach of reinforcing its existing leadership while also making calculated changes to adapt to evolving political scenarios. The emphasis on retaining seasoned leaders, coupled with the introduction of new and strategic candidates, reflects the party’s preparedness for a competitive election season.

As Jharkhand gears up for another crucial electoral battle, the political moves made by JMM will be pivotal in shaping the upcoming contest. This list sets the tone for what promises to be a highly engaging and closely watched election campaign across the state.