The fighting ground of Jharkhand heats up as the reserve constituencies scheduled caste (SC), three Lok Sabha seats in Khunti, Singhbhum, and Lohardaga, are getting ready for the 13th of May pollinations. The Indian National Development (IND) is the main rival of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while a new breed of independent aspirants is shaping the electoral horizon. In the 2019 elections, the BJP achieved success in Khunti and Lohardaga while the Congress got a hold of the seat of Singhbhum. However, BJP’s triumph in tribal reserved seats saw narrow margins, with victories in Khunti and Lohardaga by a mere 1,445 and 10,363 votes, respectively, whereas Congress won Singhbhum with a margin of 72,155 votes.
The electoral arena of Khunti is a very hostile competition between Mr Arjun Munda, the current tribal minister, and the opposition. Munda’s work showcased the previous high points, followed by a negative outcome as the voters voiced their discontent over shattered hopes. The BJP candidate is being backed by UBS non-tribal voters and by one Munda community member, while the Congress one is counting on tribal voters for their candidate Kalicharan Munda. The political dynamics of the constituency are complex because the preferences of various urban and rural groups may determine who will and will not receive support.
Khunti, comprising six assembly segments, traditionally favours Congress in tribal-dominated areas. However, factors like the Pathalgadi movement and independent candidates like Babita Kachhap add layers of unpredictability to the race. Congress downplays their impact, while BJP strategizes to capitalize on any vote diversion. The Pathalgadi-affected regions remain a concern for the BJP, as increased participation may sway outcomes.
The contest in the Singhbhum region is between Geeta Kora, an ex-Congress and BJP candidate, and JMM’s Joba Majhi, their staunchest opponent. The establishment of the Kora dynasty, which is a dynasty dominated by the Ho tribe group in which the family is also battling the inner conflict between Congress and BJP, marks a new era in the history of Singhbhum. While SC-specific reserved Lok Sabha contests in Jharkhand promise to be tough, with political alliances dictating the political equation, tribal influence and independent candidates complicating the electoral landscape, the future of elections seems fascinating.
Check here for the latest updates in Hindi!