NEW DELHI: The Dumka Assembly constituency, a key seat in Jharkhand’s Santhal Parganas region, has witnessed the win of Basant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) faced by Sunil Soren of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Voting took place on November 20, with results set to be announced on November 23. As per the Election Commission, Dumka’s seat recorded a voter turnout of 70.76 per cent.
Historically, Dumka has alternated between the JMM and BJP, reflecting its political significance. In the 2019 elections, Hemant Soren of the JMM secured victory, defeating BJP’s Lois Marandi by 13,188 votes. This marked a sharp reversal from 2014 when Lois Marandi edged out Hemant Soren by a margin of 4,914 votes.
In 2024, 11 candidates competed for the Dumka seat, representing a mix of established parties and independents. Notable contenders include Basant Soren (JMM), Sunil Soren (BJP), and Babu Ram Murmu (BSP), alongside independents like Anos Marandi and Donald Hembrom.
Dumka is a Scheduled Tribe (ST)-reserved constituency and a part of the Dumka Lok Sabha seat. Located in the semi-urban Santhal Parganas region, it holds cultural and political significance for Jharkhand’s tribal population.
The political dynamics of Dumka highlight the broader challenges of governance in Jharkhand. Since its creation in 2000, the state has seen 11 coalition governments, seven Chief Ministers, and three stints of President’s Rule.
ALSO READ: Jharkhand Election Results Live| Mahagathbandhan crosses halfway mark – THE NEW INDIAN
The Assembly elections, held in two phases on November 13 and 20, showcased the divided political landscape.
With a record voter turnout of 67.74% across the state, Dumka remains a microcosm of the larger electoral battle between the JMM-led INDIA bloc and the BJP-led NDA. As counting progresses, the constituency’s outcome will offer insights into tribal support for the JMM and the BJP’s ability to regain lost ground.