Aakhir Tak – In Shorts
- Hemant Soren-led JMM-Congress alliance secured a historic third-term victory in Jharkhand.
- The alliance won 56 out of 81 assembly seats, surpassing the majority mark of 42.
- BJP managed to win only 23 seats despite a high-profile campaign.
- Women voters played a crucial role, with higher turnout than men in 68 constituencies.
- The JMM leveraged Hemant Soren’s arrest to create a sympathy wave, strengthening their support base.
Aakhir Tak – In Depth
Hemant Factor and JMM’s Landmark Victory
In a significant political milestone, the Hemant Soren-led JMM-Congress alliance won 56 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly elections, marking the first consecutive term for any party in the state. This victory disrupts Jharkhand’s long-standing “revolving door” political pattern. The coalition’s campaign, emphasizing welfare schemes like the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, resonated strongly, particularly among women voters.
BJP’s Campaign and Its Shortcomings
The BJP’s strategy focused heavily on issues like illegal immigration from Bangladesh, framed as a threat to Jharkhand’s indigenous culture and resources. Despite high-profile rallies led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the BJP secured only 23 seats. Their campaign narrative failed to counter the JMM’s focus on tribal pride and welfare.
Key Role of Women Voters
One of the decisive factors in this election was the higher voter turnout among women. In 68 out of 81 constituencies, female voter participation exceeded that of men. The JMM’s welfare initiatives, especially the Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana, which provides ₹1,000 per month to eligible women, significantly boosted their support.
Hemant Soren’s Arrest and Sympathy Wave
Hemant Soren’s arrest in a money laundering case earlier in the year added another dimension to the election. The JMM framed his arrest as an attack on tribal leadership, creating a strong sympathy wave. This narrative overshadowed BJP’s attempts to highlight internal conflicts within the JMM, such as Champai Soren’s defection to the BJP.
Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember
- JMM-Congress alliance won 56 seats, securing a historic third term in Jharkhand.
- BJP’s campaign focusing on illegal immigration failed to resonate with voters.
- Women voters played a pivotal role, supporting JMM’s welfare initiatives.
- Hemant Soren’s arrest galvanized a strong sympathy wave among the electorate.
- The election marked the first time a party retained power in Jharkhand.
