JMM-Congress Alliance Triumphs in Jharkhand with United Strategy

The alliance between the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress has once again proved its mettle in the recently concluded Jharkhand assembly elections. Their collaborative efforts to unite Jharkhand’s diverse communities have not only secured a significant electoral victory but also demonstrated the strength of strategic planning and alliance politics.

Shortly after the Election Commission announced assembly polls for Maharashtra and Jharkhand on October 15, JMM working president and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, along with his wife Kalpana Soren, met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi. This meeting laid the groundwork for an effective electoral strategy and a cohesive alliance under the India Bloc banner.

During their discussions, Hemant Soren emphasized the need for a bipolar contest in Jharkhand, advocating for the inclusion of CPI-ML (Liberation) in the alliance. Soren’s recommendations were accepted, and the seat-sharing formula was finalized without much conflict. The Congress agreed to relinquish two seats to CPI-ML and contest only one, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) gave up one seat to CPI-ML and contested one fewer seat than in the previous elections.

The seat-sharing arrangement allocated 43 seats to JMM, 30 to Congress, and seven to RJD, ensuring a united front. Unlike Maharashtra, where alliances often witness disputes, Jharkhand saw early resolution of seat-sharing agreements, which allowed the coalition to begin its campaign swiftly and effectively.

The JMM-led alliance emerged victorious, securing 56 out of 81 assembly seats. The JMM alone won 34 seats, four more than in 2019, while Congress retained its tally of 16 seats. The RJD gained significantly, winning four seats compared to just one in 2019, and the CPI-ML won two seats, making a notable debut in the alliance’s performance.

Hemant Soren attributed this success to meticulous planning and robust coordination among coalition partners. “We set specific targets and finalized the names of several candidates well in advance, enabling an early and focused campaign,” Soren remarked.

The alliance’s strength lay in its ability to consolidate support across various demographic groups. The JMM retained its dominance among tribal and OBC voters, while Congress secured strong backing from the Muslim community. The RJD found support among OBC Yadavs and migrant voters from Bihar in the North Chotanagpur division. Meanwhile, the CPI-ML resonated with workers in Jharkhand’s coal sector.

Political analyst Sudhir Pal noted that the coalition’s appeal to diverse social groups was key to its success. “The JMM-Congress alliance effectively united tribals, Muslims, Mahatos, and Yadavs, creating a broad and inclusive voter base,” he said.

In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) struggled to connect with Jharkhand’s electorate. Over-reliance on national leaders and neglect of local leaders such as Champai Soren and Sita Soren weakened the party’s appeal. Additionally, the BJP’s inability to counter the alliance’s narrative of tribal pride further eroded its support base.

Government welfare initiatives like the Maiya Samman Yojana played a crucial role in the alliance’s campaign. These schemes, which emphasized tribal empowerment and community welfare, resonated deeply with voters. The narrative was further bolstered by framing Hemant Soren’s legal troubles as an attack on tribal pride. Earlier this year, Soren faced allegations in a land-related case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate. The alliance portrayed this as a politically motivated move by the BJP, which galvanized tribal voters and drove a significant turnout.

Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren actively campaigned not just for JMM candidates but also for their Congress and RJD partners. Similarly, local Congress and RJD leaders reciprocated by supporting the alliance’s collective efforts. This seamless coordination at the grassroots level ensured a smooth transfer of votes among alliance partners.

The JMM and Congress appear to have learned valuable lessons from their previous collaborations. In the 2014 assembly elections, the lack of a cohesive strategy had weakened their performance. However, their alliance in 2019 brought Congress from six seats to 16, and the 2024 elections further solidified their position. By fostering unity and focusing on shared goals, the coalition maximized its potential, avoiding internal conflicts that have plagued opposition alliances in other states.

The JMM-Congress partnership serves as a model for effective coalition politics. Their ability to balance diverse interests, address local issues, and present a united front underscores the importance of strategic planning and coordination in electoral success.

As Hemant Soren continues to lead the government, the focus will now shift to delivering on the promises made during the campaign. By consolidating their social base and implementing inclusive policies, the alliance has an opportunity to further strengthen its position and set an example for progressive governance in Jharkhand.