Mail News Service
Dumka, March 27: The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Dumka have taken a dramatic turn with the BJP fielding Sita Soren, the elder daughter-in-law of the Soren family, as its candidate. This decision comes after the party withdrew the candidacy of Sunil Soren, sparking internal discord within the BJP ranks.
Sita Soren’s entry into the electoral fray has stirred up significant challenges for the BJP, particularly in uniting the divided factions within the party. Prior to her nomination, the BJP in Dumka was already split into two camps, one supporting MP Sunil Soren and the other backing Lewis Marandi, a minister in the Jharkhand government and MLA from Dumka. However, with Sita’s candidacy, the BJP has now splintered into three distinct factions.
Lewis Marandi, known for his opposition to the Soren family, commands a considerable voter base, including tribals and missionary voters. Sita Soren must navigate the complexities of winning over both Sunil Soren and Lewis Marandi to consolidate BJP’s support base and prevent the dispersion of votes. Failure to do so could jeopardize BJP’s prospects in retaining the seat.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is also grappling with strategic decisions regarding its candidate selection for Dumka. The party, which has held sway over the constituency for several years, is wary of Sita Soren’s challenge. The absence of a clear candidate nomination from the JMM has heightened uncertainty in the electoral landscape.
The Soren family’s stronghold over Dumka dates back to 1980, with JMM patriarch Shibu Soren winning the Lok Sabha seat multiple times. Sunil Soren’s victory in 2019 marked a significant departure from JMM’s dominance. However, with Sita Soren’s unexpected entry into BJP and subsequent candidacy, the political dynamics in Dumka have shifted once again.
JMM’s response to Sita Soren’s candidacy underscores the party’s determination to defend its bastion. The choice of candidate to contest against Sita Soren will be crucial in determining the outcome of the election, as JMM seeks to safeguard its reputation and political dominance in Dumka.
