BJP's tribal tally dismal in J'khand

In the Jharkhand assembly polls, the BJP failed to put up a good show in the tribal-dominated regions despite its narrative that it can protect the interests of tribals.

- Mukesh Ranjan

According to the results declared on Saturday, the BJP's performance took a hit in the tribal-dominated Kolhan, Santhal Pargana, and South Chotanagpur. In other regions, such as North Chotanagpur and Palamu, the BJP-led NDA performed relatively better and managed to retain its ground.

In Kolhan, which has 14 seats, the NDA could get only three seats. Though three former chief ministers—Arjun Munda, Champai Soren, and Madhu Koda—belong to Kolhan, they could not get seats for NDA. Meera Munda, wife of Arjun Munda who contested from Potka on a BJP ticket, lost. Similarly, Geeta Koda, wife of Madhu Koda, was defeated in Jaggananthpur. Champai Soren managed to win from Saraikela on a BJP ticket, but his son Ramdas Soren lost Ghatshila seat.