The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, which are set to take place in two phases on November 13 and November 20, 2024. The results will be declared on November 23, alongside those from Maharashtra. On October 19, 2024, the BJP’s Central Election Committee revealed the names of 66 candidates, including notable figures such as former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi, who will contest from Dhanwar.
Key Candidates Announced
The BJP has strategically selected candidates to challenge the current ruling coalition of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress. Among the prominent names in the list:
- Babulal Marandi: The state BJP president and former chief minister will contest from Dhanwar.
- Champai Soren: Former chief minister and a significant figure in Jharkhand politics, he will run from Saraikella.
- Meera Munda: The wife of former chief minister Arjun Munda, she is contesting from Potka.
- Sita Soren: Sister-in-law of JMM leader Hemant Soren, she will contest from Jamtara.
- Lobin Hembrom: He has been fielded from Borio, following his recent disqualification under the anti-defection law.
The party aims to reclaim power in Jharkhand by contesting 68 out of the total 81 assembly seats, leaving the remaining seats for its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which include AJSU, JD(U), and LJP.
Election Context
The upcoming elections are crucial for the BJP as they seek to overturn the JMM-Congress alliance that currently governs Jharkhand. In the previous assembly elections held in 2019, the JMM-led coalition won a significant majority with 47 seats. The BJP secured only 25 seats at that time. This time, with a focused strategy and a strong candidate lineup, the BJP hopes to improve its standing.
The Election Commission has set important dates for this election cycle. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on October 28, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until October 30 for the first phase. The constituencies going to polls on November 13 include several key areas such as Ranchi, Jamshedpur East and West, and Hazaribagh.
Candidate Profiles
- Babulal Marandi (Dhanwar):
- A seasoned politician with a strong base in Jharkhand.
- Known for his leadership during his previous term as chief minister.
- Champai Soren (Saraikella):
- Has been a consistent winner since 1991.
- His experience is expected to play a crucial role in his campaign.
- Meera Munda (Potka):
- Represents a continuation of her husband’s political legacy.
- Her candidacy is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to gain support among tribal voters.
- Sita Soren (Jamtara):
- Her nomination is significant due to her connection with influential political families in Jharkhand.
- Lobin Hembrom (Borio):
- His return after disqualification indicates party trust in his ability to mobilize voters.
Political Landscape
Jharkhand’s political landscape is complex, with various parties vying for influence. The BJP’s strategy involves not only fielding strong candidates but also addressing local issues that resonate with voters. The party’s focus on development and governance is likely to be central themes in their campaign.As campaigning heats up ahead of the elections, both the BJP and its opponents will intensify their outreach efforts. Voter sentiment will be crucial in determining the outcome of these elections.
