Mail News Service
Jamshedpur: With the Ghatshila by-election concluded and Somesh Chandra Soren elected as the new MLA, political circles in Jharkhand are abuzz with speculation over who will replace the late Ramdas Soren in Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s cabinet. Though Somesh has won a sweeping mandate, the Chief Minister has already stated during the campaign that the young legislator will not be made a minister immediately. Instead, the party plans to utilise him to strengthen the organisation. However, despite the CM’s remarks, Somesh’s supporters continue to push his name aggressively, citing his impressive victory margin of 38,601 votes—surpassing even his father’s.
With the ministerial seat now vacant, discussions have intensified across both Santhal Pargana and Kolhan divisions. Several senior leaders are emerging as strong contenders, each with their own strengths and political baggage.
From the Santhal region, the most prominent name is that of Maheshpur MLA Prof. Stephen Marandi, a veteran JMM leader who has previously served as Pro-Tem Speaker and Deputy Chief Minister twice. Though his experience is unmatched, age and health may work against him. Jama MLA Louise Marandi is also being discussed, especially as the Hemant-II government still lacks a woman minister. But her BJP past could weaken her prospects. Littipara MLA Hemlal Murmu is another senior figure in the fray, though his nine-year stint in the BJP after quitting the JMM in 2014 may raise doubts about his loyalty.
In Kolhan, several strong claimants have surfaced. Majhgaon MLA Niral Purti, a three-term legislator who won by a massive margin of 59,603 votes in 2024, is considered one of the strongest contenders. Kharsawan MLA Dashrath Gagrai, also a three-time winner and known for his loyalty to the party, is being actively discussed. Potka MLA Sanjib Sardar, who defeated Meera Munda—wife of former Chief Minister Arjun Munda—is another name gaining traction.
Baharagora MLA Samir Kumar Mohanty, a senior leader and second-term MLA, also figures in the discussions, though his non-tribal identity may be a hurdle. Chakradharpur MLA Sukhram Oraon, another third-term legislator, is likewise seen as a serious contender if the party decides to prioritise Kolhan representation.
With multiple senior leaders in the fray and regional balance at stake, the JMM leadership faces a complex decision on filling the crucial cabinet slot.
