Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Unveils Candidates for Assam Assembly Elections
JMM Announces Candidates for Assam Elections
Ranchi, Mar 23: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has revealed its list of 21 candidates for the upcoming elections to the 126-member Assam assembly.
According to JMM general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey, the party has made a strategic decision to contest in 21 constituencies during the forthcoming assembly elections in Assam.
Among the candidates are Priti Rekha Baria for Mazbat, Teharu Gour for Biswanath, Amit Nag for Khumtai, Bhuben Murari for Chabua, Phedricson Hasda for Gossaingaon, Baldev Teli for Sonari, Peter Minj for Duliajan, Paban Sautal for Rongonadi, Bharat Nayak for Digboi, and Prabhat Das Panika for Bhergaon, among others.
The JMM aims to transform its image from a regional party to a national political entity, targeting approximately 7 million individuals from the tea tribe community, many of whom have roots in Jharkhand’s Chhotanagpur region.
These communities, according to the JMM, have pressing social and economic issues that have not been sufficiently addressed, and they are in search of enhanced political representation.
Pandey stated, "Hemant Soren has gained recognition as a prominent leader in the national struggle for tribal rights. He has garnered the trust of the tea tribe community, and local tribal populations in Assam view him as a formidable advocate for their causes against injustice."
Soren has been actively visiting Assam, advocating for tribal issues in the northeastern state since the JMM's victory in the Jharkhand assembly elections in 2024.
During the recent conclusion of the Jharkhand assembly's Budget session, Soren remarked that marginalized communities nationwide are looking towards Jharkhand to voice their concerns.
"We will undoubtedly become the voice for tribals facing oppression, whether in Assam, Manipur, or any part of the country," Soren asserted.
In November 2024, the Jharkhand government sanctioned the establishment of a committee to investigate the conditions of the marginalized tea tribes in Assam.
Soren had previously highlighted the plight of the tea tribes in Assam, and the formation of this committee is perceived as a strategic move to challenge the ruling party's influence.
The JMM is relying significantly on Soren and his wife, legislator Kalpana Soren, who has also emerged as a respected tribal leader, to garner support in Assam. The party has expressed its willingness to explore alliances within the state.
Soren has previously engaged in discussions with leaders from opposition parties in Assam, a strategy viewed as part of a larger initiative to navigate the intricate political landscape of the state.