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The political landscape of Jharkhand is witnessing a fierce battle for the upcoming Assembly elections, fueled by the recent defection of former Chief Minister Champai Soren from the JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) to the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). This move has set the stage for a direct confrontation between Champai and the incumbent Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, both vying for the crucial votes in the Kolhan region.
Champai, a veteran of the Jharkhand statehood movement and often referred to as the “Tiger of Kolhan,” accused the JMM leadership of humiliation and claimed that tribal interests could only be protected under the BJP banner. He joined the BJP with a large contingent of supporters, a move that reflects the BJP's strategy to bolster its presence in the region, where it failed to secure a single seat in the 2019 Assembly elections.
Hemant Soren, on the other hand, is focusing on strengthening the JMM’s hold in Kolhan, aiming to capitalize on the party’s existing dominance in the region. His strategic moves include reinstating poshan sakhis (anganwadi workers-cum-nutritional consultants) and attending events to launch new government schemes, like the “Maiyya Samman Yojna,” which provides financial aid to women from poor households.
The JMM leadership is confident that tribal voters will not favor “turncoats,” pointing to the recent electoral defeats of prominent figures who switched to the BJP. They highlight the popularity of Hemant Soren and his ability to attract voters, particularly in Kolhan, as exemplified by Champai’s 2019 victory margin.
While Champai’s recent foray into the Lok Sabha elections met with limited success, the BJP believes he can significantly impact the Assembly elections. The BJP’s focus on mobilizing support in Kolhan is a clear indication of its strategic importance. The battle for this region is expected to be a key determinant of the overall election outcome.
The current political climate in Jharkhand is characterized by a proxy war between Hemant and Champai, with both leaders cautiously avoiding direct attacks. Hemant’s recent confrontations with corruption allegations have further intensified the political drama, highlighting the fragile nature of the current government. The JMM believes that Hemant will emerge stronger from these challenges and capitalize on the opportunity to reorganize and rejuvenate the party.
The coming months will witness intense campaigning in the Kolhan region, as both leaders strive to secure the support of the tribal community. The outcome of this political battle will have significant ramifications for the future of Jharkhand. The competition between the “Lion” and the “Tiger” is poised to redefine the political landscape of the state, leaving the people of Jharkhand with a crucial decision to make in the upcoming Assembly elections.
Source: ‘Lion vs Tiger in Kolhan’: Hemant readies plan to take on Champai-BJP — new faces to schemes