Jharkhand is set to vote in the second and final phase of its Assembly elections, with polling scheduled for 38 of the state’s 81 seats. The elections are shaping up to be a fierce contest between the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc and the opposition BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), reflecting the political turbulence the state has faced in recent years.
A Brief Political History of Jharkhand
Jharkhand, formed in 2000 from Bihar, has a history marked by political instability despite its rich mineral resources. Since its creation, the state has struggled to maintain a steady political trajectory, with only one chief minister, Raghubar Das, managing to complete a full five-year term. Jharkhand has witnessed frequent changes in leadership and three instances of President’s Rule due to political impasse.
In the state’s five Assembly elections to date, no party has ever won an outright majority, leading to a history of coalition governments. The political landscape has largely been dominated by two major players: the BJP and the JMM.
Key Political Milestones
- Formation of Jharkhand: Jharkhand became India’s 28th state on November 15, 2000, through the Bihar Reorganisation Act. The date holds special significance as it coincides with the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda, who is considered a hero in the state’s tribal history.
- Early Leadership: While Karia Munda was the BJP’s prominent tribal leader at the time of Jharkhand’s formation, Babulal Marandi, another tribal leader with RSS roots, was appointed as the first chief minister of the state.
- Frequent Changes in Leadership: Over the years, Jharkhand’s political scene saw a revolving door of leadership. JMM’s Shibu Soren and BJP’s Arjun Munda each served as chief ministers multiple times, with both parties unable to form lasting governments. Babulal Marandi, Madhu Koda, and Hemant Soren also held the position at different times, with Soren experiencing a particularly short stint when he failed to prove his majority in the Assembly.
- Stability Under Raghubar Das: The state experienced a brief period of stability under BJP’s Raghubar Das, who became the first chief minister of Jharkhand to complete a full five-year term after taking office in 2014. His tenure marked a significant shift in the state’s governance, but it was also marked by growing dissent and opposition from local leaders.
- 2019 and Hemant Soren’s Return: In the 2019 Assembly polls, the JMM, led by Hemant Soren, secured a victory with the support of Congress and three smaller allies, signaling a shift in the political landscape. Hemant Soren became chief minister again, but his tenure was marred by controversy. In 2023, he was forced to resign following his arrest in an alleged land scam case, only to return to power after a brief interlude.
- Champai Soren’s Brief Term: Following Hemant Soren’s resignation, senior JMM leader Champai Soren was appointed chief minister, but his term was short-lived, lasting only 153 days. Disillusioned, Champai Soren later switched allegiances and joined the BJP, claiming he had been humiliated by the JMM. He is now contesting from the Saraikella seat as a BJP candidate, where he faces off against JMM’s Ganesh Mahali.
The Current Election
As Jharkhand votes once again, the stakes are high for both the ruling JMM and the opposition BJP. With a history of political instability and frequent shifts in power, the outcome of this election could further shape the state’s future. The battle for Saraikella, where former JMM leader Champai Soren is pitted against his former party, is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests.
As the state votes, it will be a key test for both national and regional parties, with the outcome potentially shifting the balance of power in this politically turbulent state.
