Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The dawn of 2024 in Jharkhand has witnessed joyous New Year celebrations. It has also seen a tumultuous start to the political landscape in the state, marked by significant developments and underlying complexities.
Amid the common people’s festivities, political speculations surrounding the Hemant Soren government unfolded, hinting at potential challenges in the coming year. The uncertainty took a concrete form when the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued its seventh summons to Chief Minister Hemant Soren in a land scam case, shaping the political narrative in the first week of the year.
While the chief minister’s camp seemed to anticipate these challenges, the acceptance of the resignation of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) legislator, Sarfaraz Ahmed, by the Speaker on the very first day of 2024 underscored a strategic move on the political chessboard. This development suggests a calculated response, positioning the government for any imminent political struggle.
The unexpected resignation of Sarfaraz Ahmed, MLA from Gandey in Gridih, raises several questions. Political observers speculate that Ahmed may have received an enticing offer, potentially involving a guaranteed six-year term as a Rajya Sabha MP in exchange for stepping down as an MLA. Notably, the impending conclusion of Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dheeraj Sahu’s term in May 2024 adds a layer of significance to this potential move, with the seat likely to be allocated to JMM.
Ahmed was earlier affiliated to Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress before joining JMM
The demographic composition of Gandey seat is significant; it has a substantial Muslim population. JMM’s historical stronghold in this region, with a significant presence of tribal voters as well, positions the party strategically. Ahmed’s decision to contest elections after relinquishing the MLA post may tap into the strong influence of the Muslim community, aligning with successful precedents set by leaders like Hafeez Ahsan and Baby Devi.
Adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding political drama are speculations from BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and political strategist Sariv Rai, expressing concerns that Chief Minister Soren might be contemplating appointing his wife, Kalpana Soren, as the next chief minister. Against the backdrop of the ongoing office of profit case against Hemant Soren, these fears carry implications, particularly in the context of Muslim voters who have historically played a crucial role in the region’s political dynamics.
Kalpana Soren, originally from Mayur Subh, Odisha, entered the political spotlight through her marriage to Hemant Soren in 2006. Despite her roots in a political family, she has maintained a relatively low profile in politics. However, her active participation in the chief minister’s engagements suggest her potential foray into the political arena.
As Jharkhand navigates through these intricate political dynamics, the Muslim angle adds a distinctive dimension to the unfolding narrative, with implications that could reverberate across the state’s political milieu and beyond.
