RANCHI: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has unveiled its first list of 35 candidates for the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for November 13 and 20. Notably, Chief Minister Hemant Soren is set to contest from Barhait (ST) in Sahibganj district, while his wife, Kalpana Soren, will represent the party in Gandey, Giridih.
Basant Soren, Hemant’s younger brother, will also vie for re-election from the JMM stronghold of Dumka (ST). The JMM, in collaboration with its ally, the Congress, aims to field candidates for 70 of the 81 seats in the assembly, leaving the remaining for coalition partners such as the RJD.
JMM General Secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey confirmed that more candidates will be announced in the coming days, emphasizing the party’s strategy to ensure representation across constituencies. “Our focus is on a diverse and strong candidate lineup that reflects the aspirations of the people,” he stated.
Six candidates, including incumbent minister Mithilesh Kumar Thakur, have already filed their nominations. However, the JMM has yet to finalize candidates for critical constituencies like Jama (ST) and Seraikela (ST). Internal dissent is brewing in Jama, where party workers are reportedly opposed to the potential nomination of BJP defector Lois Marandi.
In Seraikela, the JMM is seeking a candidate to challenge its former vice-president Champai Soren, who has switched allegiance to the BJP. This move has raised concerns within the party regarding retaining its foothold in traditional strongholds.
Additionally, several current ministers are contesting from their respective constituencies. Ajsu-P defector Uma Shankar Rajak will challenge BJP’s Amar Kumar Bauri in Chandankyari, while former MLA Amit Kumar Mahto is set to face Ajsu-P chief Sudesh Mahto in Silli.
