The INDIA bloc, comprising the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has crossed the majority mark of 41 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly elections. The coalition secured 51 out of 81 seats, while the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) trailed with 29.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s JMM made a comeback after the BJP initially led when counting began at 8 am. By 10:30 am, the INDIA bloc had overtaken the NDA in several constituencies.
Soren, contesting from Barhait, maintained a lead over BJP rival Gamliyel Hembrom. Speaking to the media, a JMM spokesperson said, “We were confident about people’s support for Chief Minister Soren and his leadership.”
In other key races, JMM candidates performed well. Ramsurya Munda in Khunti led over BJP’s Neelkanth Singh Munda, and Minister Bebi Devi held a strong lead in Dumri. Congress leader Rameshwar Oraon led in Lohardaga, defeating AJSU Party’s Niru Shanti Bhagat.
However, Soren’s wife, Kalpana Soren, trailed against BJP’s Muniya Devi in Sarath. Congress leader Banna Gupta faced a tough fight in Jamshedpur West, while JMM Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato encountered stiff competition in Nala.
The BJP, which campaigned on an “anti-infiltrator” plank, saw several setbacks. BJP state chief Babulal Marandi held a solid lead in Dhanwar, but other prominent candidates, like Geeta Kora in Jagannathpur, lagged behind Congress’ Sonaram Sinku.
The RJD emerged as a significant player, leading in five of the six seats it contested. RJD’s Suresh Paswan in Deoghar and Sanjay Prasad Yadav in Godda maintained commanding leads, signaling a resurgence for the party in Jharkhand.
Exit polls had predicted a close contest, with some surveys favoring the NDA. However, the INDIA bloc defied expectations. A JMM leader remarked, “Exit polls underestimated the trust and support of Jharkhand’s people for our alliance.”
The election saw two phases of voting, with the first phase covering 43 constituencies on November 13 and the second phase involving 38 seats a week later.
This victory cements Hemant Soren’s position as a popular leader and underscores the INDIA bloc’s growing strength in the state.
