Party leaders signal internal assessment; uncertainty grows over future of alliance in Jharkhand
Mail News Service
Ranchi, Nov 18: With the Bihar Assembly elections concluded and the results declared, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has once again raised concerns about being excluded from the Grand Alliance’s seat-sharing arrangements in Bihar. Although the party had earlier asserted that the matter would be reviewed only after the elections, it now appears increasingly likely that the JMM will undertake a formal assessment of the alliance and its functioning.
The party has repeatedly maintained that the Grand Alliance did not treat it fairly. Despite expressing its desire to contest 12 seats in Bihar, the JMM was not allotted even a single seat, forcing it to reconsider its political strategy in the neighbouring state. Senior JMM leaders, including Jharkhand Tourism Minister Sudibya Kumar and Central General Secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey, had travelled to Patna to discuss the issue with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. However, their efforts bore no fruit and the JMM ultimately refrained from contesting the elections independently, despite earlier announcements of doing so.
With the Bihar results now public, JMM leaders have renewed their criticism. JMM General Secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya stated that the Grand Alliance “would have seen different results” had the JMM been given due participation. When asked about the party’s next steps, Bhattacharya confirmed that a review would take place. “What happens in the review depends entirely on the decision of the top leadership,” he said.
While the timing and venue of the review meeting remain unclear, political circles expect it to take place soon. The broader question now concerns the stability of the ruling Grand Alliance in Jharkhand, comprising the JMM, Congress and RJD. Speculation is growing about whether the alliance will continue in its current form or if the rift might lead to changes within the coalition.
There is also talk of a potential cabinet reshuffle. The ministerial vacancy created by the death of Ramdas Soren remains unfilled and party insiders suggest that discussions on filling the seat could trigger wider portfolio adjustments. “The possibility of a cabinet reshuffle cannot be ruled out,” a senior leader said on condition of anonymity.
However, allies have downplayed any friction. State RJD President Sanjay Kumar Singh Yadav said the matter of review lies solely within the Chief Minister’s prerogative. Meanwhile, state Congress chief spokesperson Lal Kishore Nath Shahdev termed the review process “a normal democratic exercise.” He added, “There is nothing new in this. The Grand Alliance remains strong and united,” citing the joint celebrations held on Jharkhand Foundation Day and the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda.
As the JMM prepares for an internal assessment, all eyes remain on whether the party will push for structural changes or seek to renegotiate its position within the coalition, potentially reshaping Jharkhand’s political landscape.
