CHAMPAI FACTOR FAILS BJP IN JHARKHAND

NDA’s focus on infiltrators” failed, as I.N.D.I.A. bloc dominated tribal seats; JMM secured 10 of 14 Kolhan seats, BJP 3.

- TIKAM SHARMA

The BJP-led NDA suffered a significant defeat in the Jharkhand Assembly elections, losing to the JMM-led Mahagathbandhan alliance for the second consecutive term. The Mahagathbandhan delivered an impressive performance, with the JMM securing 34 seats, Congress 16, and RJD 4. In contrast, the BJP managed only 21 seats, while its allies—AJSU and JDU—secured one seat each, bringing the NDA total to 24. The LJP-RV also won one seat.

The NDA’s campaign heavily focused on issues like “infiltrators” altering state demographics and taking over land and jobs. Despite this, the Scheduled Tribe-reserved seats overwhelmingly favored the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. In the Kolhan region, traditionally a JMM stronghold led by senior tribal leader Champai Soren, the BJP managed to win only 3 of the 14 seats, while the JMM captured 10 and Congress 1.