Jharkhand Assembly Polls 2024: 5 Factors Behind Hemant Soren's Historic Comeback
Ranchi:
Defying the odds and a high-profile arrest, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led Mahagathbandhan scripted a historic comeback in the 2024 Assembly elections. The alliance crossed the majority mark, leading on 56 seats, while the BJP-led alliance trailed with 24.
This landslide victory marks a significant turning point for Soren, who faced intense scrutiny and political challenges following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case earlier this year. Despite the BJP’s concerted efforts, led by senior leaders Himanta Biswa Sarma and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the saffron party failed to unseat Soren’s government.
Here are the key factors that contributed to Hemant Soren’s remarkable victory:
1. Sympathy Wave for Hemant Soren
Soren’s arrest on January 31 in connection with a money laundering case involving illegal land possession sparked a wave of public sympathy. The BJP’s aggressive corruption narrative against him backfired, as many voters viewed the arrest as politically motivated.
During Soren’s imprisonment, his wife, Kalpana Soren, stepped into the spotlight, leading the election campaign. She connected with voters on a personal level, portraying the Soren family as victims of political vendetta. This strategy successfully galvanized public support.
2. United Front by the Mahagathbandhan
The JMM-led Mahagathbandhan, comprising Congress and other allies, displayed remarkable unity during the campaign. This cohesion allowed the alliance to consolidate votes across key demographics, especially tribal and rural communities, which form a significant part of Jharkhand’s electorate.
3. Pro-People Policies
Soren’s government focused on welfare schemes tailored to the needs of the state’s marginalized communities. Initiatives in healthcare, education, and tribal development resonated with voters, reinforcing the perception of Soren as a leader committed to grassroots progress.
4. Effective Counter-Narrative
The JMM effectively countered the BJP’s anti-incumbency and corruption narratives by highlighting the BJP’s perceived neglect of local issues. The campaign emphasized Soren’s track record in addressing unemployment and improving infrastructure, while accusing the BJP of prioritizing national politics over state welfare.
5. Strategic Leadership by Kalpana Soren
Kalpana Soren’s active involvement during her husband’s incarceration proved pivotal. Her direct engagement with voters, especially women and tribal communities, humanized the JMM’s campaign. Her ability to frame the elections as a fight for Jharkhand’s identity and rights struck a chord with the electorate.
What Lies Ahead
The 2024 Jharkhand Assembly election results reaffirm Hemant Soren’s position as a key political force in the state. However, with heightened scrutiny and opposition challenges, Soren’s leadership will face significant tests in the coming years.
As the dust settles, Jharkhand’s political narrative highlights the resilience of regional leaders and the importance of voter sentiment in shaping electoral outcomes
Reference from:- https://zeenews.india.com/india/jharkhand-assembly-polls-5-factors-that-helped-hemant-soren-script-historic-comeback-2823751.html