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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is pinning its hopes on Champai Soren, a prominent figure in Jharkhand's Kolhan region, to break its electoral drought in the state's upcoming assembly polls. Soren, known as the 'Tiger of Kolhan' to his supporters, joined the BJP in a strategic move that could significantly impact the party's prospects in the region. The Kolhan region, dominated by tribal communities, has historically been a stronghold for local heroes, and Champai Soren's popularity among these communities could be a game-changer for the BJP.
Soren's appeal stems from his deep connection with the Kolhan region and his advocacy for local causes. He is credited with securing jobs for young people in the area, particularly with TISCO and other enterprises. The BJP believes that Soren's association will translate into significant electoral gains, especially after drawing a blank in the 14 seats of the Kolhan region in the 2019 assembly elections. This hope is further fueled by the success of Hemant Soren, the current Jharkhand Chief Minister, in turning his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate into a narrative of injustice against tribals, which led to the BJP losing all five tribal reserved seats in the Lok Sabha elections.
The BJP's optimism is not unfounded. Several party insiders have expressed confidence that Champai Soren's joining could secure at least eight to 10 seats in the Kolhan region for the BJP. Soren's entry also brings with him the legacy of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the party he was associated with since the statehood agitation days. This legacy, coupled with his close ties to JMM patriarch Sibu Soren, could sway voters who were previously aligned with the JMM. The JMM leadership, aware of Soren's influence, appears apprehensive about his departure and its potential repercussions. The party has not taken any action against Soren, who had publicly expressed his displeasure with the leadership, accusing them of humiliating him and forcing him to resign from the position of Chief Minister.
The upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand are set to be a tight contest, with the BJP seeking to reclaim lost ground. The party's hope rests on the potential of Champai Soren to mobilise tribal voters in the Kolhan region. His local popularity and association with the JMM's legacy could be a significant advantage for the BJP. However, the JMM will be working hard to retain its hold on the region, and the contest promises to be fierce and unpredictable.
Source: BJP pins hope on Kolhan Tiger Champai to end poll drought in key Jharkhand region