As political upheaval increases in Jharkhand before the assembly elections, BJP is preparing a strategy to strengthen its hold in the state again. With a masterplan prepared with opinion surveys, uniting people at the grassroots level, alliance with regional stalwarts and special focus on tribal issues, BJP is gradually gaining lead. BJP is working on this master plan to return to power in Jharkhand. Here, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha seems nervous seeing the lead of BJP. Internal discontent is growing against JMM in the state and this resentment is also visible among the public.
The basic foundation of BJP’s strategy in the country is based on consulting people and conducting surveys. Through this plan, BJP is connecting party workers. This is not a new concept for the party, but this time its scope has been increased considerably. By consulting thousands of party workers up to the panchayat level, BJP is ensuring that its decision making is inclusive and democratic.
Unlike the previous elections where only block-level functionaries were asked for their opinions, this time around 500-700 workers will be asked for feedback per constituency. This initiative by the BJP is a masterstroke in strengthening internal unity and building trust among its workers, especially in a state where grassroots participation is crucial. These surveys will help the party field candidates who have both organisational and grassroots support.
Strengthening the NDA: Leveraging alliances
An important element of the BJP’s strategy is an attempt to strengthen alliances within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Jharkhand. While the BJP contested the 2019 assembly elections alone, this time the party is allying with key regional players like the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) and possibly the Janata Dal United (JDU), LJP. The alliance with AJSU in particular is very important for the BJP as it traditionally has its influence in some tribal areas. By bringing AJSU chief Sudesh Mahto into its fold, the BJP is attempting to regain the tribal votes it lost in the last election. Apart from this, talks with JDU for seat-sharing are about to be completed.
The main focus of the party is on tribal issues
The most important element of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s masterplan is its focus on tribal issues. The tribal population of Jharkhand, which had supported the JMM in a big way in the last election, is now being aggressively wooed by the BJP. The induction of prominent tribal leaders like Champai Soren and Geeta Koda into the party is part of this strategy.
Champai Soren, who broke away from the JMM and joined the BJP, is expected to play a key role in winning back support in the Kolhan region, a crucial area for the state’s tribal politics. The BJP’s emphasis on protecting tribal identity and addressing concerns over illegal immigration has evoked a strong response among tribal voters, especially in the Santhal Pargana region. The party’s rhetoric about illegal infiltration and erosion of tribal identity has caught on among voters, positioning the BJP as a party that is more serious about protecting tribal interests.
BJP benefits from JMM’s internal strife
While the BJP is carefully implementing its masterplan across Jharkhand, the ruling JMM is steadily weakening. State Chief Minister Hemant Soren is facing serious internal challenges within his own party. Senior leaders like Champai Soren, who were once the pillars of JMM, have left the party citing dissatisfaction with the party leadership. The rebellion within JMM also signals to voters that the party is struggling to maintain unity. Apart from this, JMM is also grappling with anti-incumbency, which includes allegations of corruption and unfulfilled promises.
The BJP was quick to take advantage of this and projected the election as a referendum on Soren’s rule. In a state where public sentiment is changing rapidly due to economic crisis and allegations of mismanagement, the electoral position of the JMM looks uncertain. As the election situation in Jharkhand is building up, the BJP’s ground preparation, alliances and outreach to the tribal people are giving it a clear edge. The expansion of the ‘Raayushmaari’ campaign, focus on grassroots participation and the strategy of building a strong front of the NDA show that the BJP does not want to leave any stone unturned to make a comeback in the state.
