JMM-Backed Candidates Seize BJP Strongholds in Jharkhand Civic Elections
In a significant political development, candidates backed by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) have successfully wrested control from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its traditional strongholds of Giridih and Deoghar during the recent urban local body polls. This outcome has provided the ruling coalition government with ample reasons to celebrate, yet it also underscores a critical failure for the JMM to make substantial inroads into the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC).
Ranchi Mayor Post Retained by BJP Amidst Mixed Results
In the RMC elections, BJP-backed candidate Roshini Khalkho managed to retain the mayor post by defeating Congress-supported nominee Rama Khalkho. JMM-backed Anand Vijay Kujur finished a distant third, highlighting the party's ongoing struggle to capture urban centers. The voting for these civic body polls took place on February 23, with JMM clearly stating its intentions to go solo in an effort to expand its presence in urban areas.
Although the elections were not officially contested on party lines, every political entity went to great lengths to support candidates of their choice. Counting for the 48 urban local bodies in the state commenced on Friday and continued until late Saturday in some regions. These include nine corporations, 20 nagar parishads, and 19 nagar panchayats.
Political Landscape Shifts in Santhal Pargana and Kolhan Regions
Among the corporations, Congress secured one, BJP won three (Ranchi, Adityapur, and Palamu), while the remaining were claimed by independents or BJP rebels. In the Santhal Pargana and Kolhan regions, the BJP, which is in opposition at the state level, faced a severe setback as party-backed candidates suffered defeats in several local bodies, including Dumka, Deoghar, Jamtara, Basukinath, Godda, Sahibganj, and Pakur.
Prior to the polls, the BJP had deployed extensive manpower across all regions for intensive campaigning, aiming to consolidate its position in urban areas following electoral losses during the Lok Sabha and assembly polls in 2024. Political observers suggest that beyond organizational gaps and the presence of rebel candidates in Santhal Pargana, the recent controversy surrounding proposed UGC regulations may have alienated urban voters from the BJP.
Urban Voter Sentiment and Political Reactions
A senior BJP member in Dumka noted, "We cannot ignore the discussions among urban youths, which centered on the UGC issue despite the civic body polls being local in nature." Similarly, in the Kolhan region, which comprises eight urban local bodies, the BJP could only secure one corporation, while Congress won another. JMM-backed candidates emerged victorious in five nagar parishad chairperson posts, with one independent also winning.
State BJP president Aditya Sahu alleged that despite the coalition government misusing official machinery, his party performed well in the civic polls. "Candidates backed by us won in several areas and in decent numbers despite attempts by the ruling coalition government's misuse of power to influence polling. In places like Chakradharpur, Chaibasa, Chas, and Deoghar, our candidates suffered due to misuse of administrative powers," he claimed.
Congress general secretary Alok Kumar Dubey countered, "When it wins, it mocks the opposition, but when it loses, BJP quickly cries foul." JMM's spokesperson Manoj Pandey added, "Candidates backed by us did extremely well, including in urban pockets, which will now be a serious concern for BJP."
These civic poll results serve as a crucial eye-opener for the ruling government, indicating that more concerted efforts are required to woo urban voters. The outcomes reflect shifting political dynamics in Jharkhand, with implications for future electoral strategies.
