Stakes high in Jharkhand Assembly elections: Former CMs await Judgment Day

Shankar Agrawal

Jamshedpur, Nov 22: The Jharkhand Assembly election results, set to be announced on Saturday, will determine the political fate of many, including six former chief ministers. With voting concluded across 81 seats, candidates and their supporters are on edge, eagerly awaiting the outcome. Trends will begin emerging by 10 AM on the day of counting, marking the culmination of a high-stakes battle.

A Night of Anticipation
Friday night is likely to be one of restlessness and hope, as the possibility of close contests across several constituencies has heightened tensions. Candidates are engaged in prayers and rituals, while party workers review strategies, anticipating the people’s verdict.

Since its formation 24 years ago, Jharkhand has witnessed seven chief ministers. In this election, the credibility and influence of these leaders are being tested like never before. Current Chief Minister Hemant Soren and former Chief Ministers Champai Soren and Babulal Marandi are contesting, while others like Shibu Soren, Arjun Munda, Raghubar Das, and Madhu Koda are banking on their family members to uphold their political legacies.

Spotlight on key leaders and their challenges

1. Champai Soren: A Journey from JMM to BJP
   Champai Soren, the seventh Chief Minister of Jharkhand, is contesting from his traditional Saraikela seat but under the BJP banner. Having won in 2019 as a JMM candidate, he now faces his old rival Ganesh Mahali, with roles reversed. Adding to the stakes, Champai’s son, Babulal Soren, is contesting from Ghatsila on a BJP ticket. This election is crucial for both father and son as they seek to solidify their political future.
2. Babulal Marandi: Aiming for power and legacy
   Jharkhand’s first Chief Minister and current BJP state president, Babulal Marandi, is contesting from Dhanwar. Facing stiff competition from JMM and CPI (ML) candidates, this election is a pivotal moment for Marandi. He seeks not only to retain his seat but also to lead the BJP back to power in the state.
3. Shibu Soren: Upholding family prestige
   JMM patriarch Shibu Soren remains a significant figure despite his retirement from active politics. This election, his son Hemant Soren (Barhet), daughter-in-law Kalpana Soren (Gandey), and younger son Basant Soren (Dumka) are contesting. Meanwhile, Sita Soren, his elder daughter-in-law, is running from Jamtara on a BJP ticket. The election is a litmus test for the Soren family’s political dominance.
4. Arjun Munda: Banking on wife Meera Munda
   Former Chief Minister Arjun Munda is not contesting but has placed his hopes on his wife, Meera Munda, who is vying for the Potka seat on a BJP ticket. She faces a tough contest against JMM’s Sanjeev Sardar, who secured a landslide victory in 2019. This election could determine Arjun Munda’s political resurgence.
5. Raghubar Das: A legacy fight through Purnima Sahu
   Raghubar Das, Jharkhand’s first full-term Chief Minister, is fielding his daughter-in-law Purnima Sahu from Jamshedpur East. Das himself lost this seat in 2019 to his cabinet colleague Saryu Roy. Purnima now faces seasoned Congress leader Ajoy Kumar in what promises to be a nail-biting contest.
6. Madhu Koda: Betting on wife Geeta Koda
   Former Chief Minister Madhu Koda’s wife, Geeta Koda is contesting from Jagannathpur on a BJP ticket. Facing JMM’s Sonaram Sinku, this election is critical for the Kodas, especially after their defeat in the Lok Sabha elections.

Implications for Jharkhand politics
The results of this election will not only decide individual victories but also shape the political landscape of Jharkhand. With family legacies, party influence, and the credibility of veteran leaders at stake, the verdict on Saturday is expected to create new equations in state politics.

As the clock ticks on, candidates and their supporters brace for a day that could redefine their political trajectories.