Even though the Bihar Assembly elections are taking place, their impact has rippled into the politics of Jharkhand. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has accused Congress and RJD of 'political cunningness', stating that the alliance deprived it of a fair chance to contest in Bihar.
According to the party, it sought to contest at least six seats in Bihar, but political strategies from Congress and RJD prevented this. JMM leaders believe the party was once again deceived, as in 2020.
Review of RJD-Congress Ministers' Performance in Soren Government
Sources indicate that JMM is preparing to evaluate the performance of ministers appointed from Congress and RJD within the Jharkhand government. This suggests the party feels unease within the coalition.
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Recently, Jharkhand's Minister Shudivya Sonu and JMM General Secretary Vinod Pandey visited Patna and met Tejashwi Yadav. Sonu conveyed that when Tejashwi inquired about tribal-based seats, he explained that there are 28 critical seats influenced by tribal votes. They aimed to sway tribal voters leaning towards NDA into supporting the INDIA alliance, but neither Congress nor RJD advocated nor supported this.
'Betrayal with JMM'
They accused both Congress and RJD of remaining silent even after witnessing the injustice done to JMM. Sonu reminded that in Jharkhand, JMM respected RJD by granting them seven contesting seats and a ministerial position, despite which, in Bihar, the alliance sidelined JMM.
Congress' Response to JMM's Allegations
Meanwhile, Congress has clarified. Satish Paul Munjini, chairman of Congress Media Cell, explained that Congress's role in Bihar wasn't decisive. The party aimed to contest 70 seats but secured only 60. The remaining 10 were allotted to smaller allies like VIP or JMM.
The BJP has targeted this political tug-of-war. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo remarked that the JMM, purportedly advocating for Jharkhand's identity, mortgaged it in Bihar. This humiliation, they say, should bring shame. The BJP is leveraging this opportunity.
What Did RJD Say?
On the other hand, RJD found JMM Minister Shudivya Sonu's statements objectionable and painful. RJD spokesperson Kailash Yadav commented that terms like 'gratitude' are inappropriate in politics. Jharkhand's Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren are esteemed leaders for them. Although it's regretful that JMM didn't find space in the seat-sharing in Bihar, such comments are condemnable. Kailash Yadav assured that under Tejashwi Yadav's leadership, an RJD coalition government is inevitable in Bihar, and the party is determined not to let BJP seize power.
Political Tensions Rise in Jharkhand
It is noteworthy that following the Bihar elections, political turbulence is anticipated to increase in Jharkhand. Speculations suggest JMM's dissatisfaction with Congress and RJD, and Hemant Soren's growing closeness to BJP hint at new alignments. Recent years have seen expressions of personal sympathy and empathy towards the Hemant family by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, further fueling political conjecture.
