NEW DELHI: As the JMM-led INDIA bloc crossed the majority mark in the Jharkhand Assembly elections, Chief Minister Hemant Soren shared a heartfelt personal moment on the social media platform ‘X’. Posting a picture of his two sons, Nikhil and Ansh, Soren captioned it, “My strength,” highlighting the role of family amidst his political triumph.
मेरी शक्ति pic.twitter.com/6NP6O6Vl7R
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) November 23, 2024
Under Soren’s leadership, the JMM-led alliance, including the Congress and the RJD, is set to secure a majority in the 81-member Assembly, as per Election Commission data. With leads in 51 seats, the alliance has outpaced the BJP-led NDA, which is ahead in 29 constituencies.
The campaigning of BJP majorly focused on issues of “infiltrators” in the Santhal Parganas region. However, the JMM countered this narrative with a strong emphasis on tribal identity and local pride. This approach resonated with voters despite legal challenges and corruption allegations surrounding Soren.
According to the latest trends, the JMM is leading in 31 seats, the Congress in 14, and the RJD in four. The BJP holds 26 leads, while smaller parties, including the AJSU Party and LJP (Ram Vilas), lead in a few constituencies.
Key candidates include BJP state president Babulal Marandi, leading in Dhanwar, and Congress leader Rameshwar Oraon, ahead in Lohardaga. Hemant Soren maintains a strong lead in Barhait, while his wife, Kalpana Soren, trails in Gandey.
The elections saw a record voter turnout of 67.74%, the highest since Jharkhand’s formation in 2000, reflecting a deeply engaged electorate. Held in two phases on November 13 and 20, the polls revealed a divided voter base. Exit polls had varied predictions, with some favouring the NDA and others the JMM-led bloc.
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The INDIA bloc’s grassroots focus on tribal welfare and rights has helped counter the BJP’s nationalistic campaign. As counting progresses, the JMM-led alliance remains confident of surpassing the 41-seat majority mark.
If trends hold, Hemant Soren will return as Chief Minister, attributing his strength to both his family and the people of Jharkhand.