The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is actively preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand. With polls approaching, the party has started finalising its strategy to consolidate its position in the state. On Sunday, several senior BJP leaders gathered for a State Election Committee meeting to discuss potential candidates and outline the roadmap for the elections.
The meeting, held to decide candidates for the state polls, included prominent BJP figures such as State President Babulal Marandi, Union Minister and Jharkhand BJP election in-charge Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the co-in-charge for Jharkhand elections, Leader of Opposition Amar Kumar Bauri, Union Minister Annapurna Devi, Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, and former Union Minister Arjun Munda. The aim of the meeting was to finalise candidates for the Assembly constituencies and strengthen BJP’s strategy for the elections.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the committee would shortlist three potential candidates for each constituency, and then the party’s parliamentary board would select the final candidate. This process, he explained, would ensure the selection of the best candidates to represent the party in the upcoming elections.
According to Sarma, "For every assembly seat, we will select three candidates, and after that, the parliamentary board will make the final decision. We may even consider fielding someone from outside if required. We are ahead of schedule in finalising our candidates." He expressed optimism that the names of most candidates would be announced in one go, rather than in phases.
The next significant meeting will be held in Delhi on Monday, after which the parliamentary board will convene to decide on the final candidates. Sarma indicated that the party is likely to announce the first list of candidates within a week.
He said, "Tomorrow there is a meeting in Delhi, then the parliamentary board will also meet. So within one week, we can get the first announcement."
The BJP has also released a set of promises aimed at attracting the youth and women of Jharkhand. On Saturday, the party unveiled its "Paanch Prana" as part of its election manifesto, with key promises including initiatives like Yuva Sathi, Gogo Didi Yojana, Ghar Saakar, Laxmi Johar, and Assured Employment.
Under the Gogo Didi Yojana, women will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,100 per month. The Ghar Saakar initiative promises a house for every family, while the Yuva Sathi scheme will offer financial assistance of Rs 2,000 per month to young people preparing for competitive exams.
Graduate and postgraduate students will also be provided with Rs 2,000 per month to support their exam preparations. These initiatives are aimed at providing social and economic support to the people of Jharkhand, particularly focusing on empowering women and helping the youth.
During the meeting, Sarma emphasised that the people of Jharkhand have faith in the promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government.
"The people of Jharkhand believe in the central government and in Modi ji. I have assured the people that they will receive Rs 2,100. We will also create opportunities for around 87 lakh youths to get employment and provide support to graduates for two years after completing their studies. Whenever PM Modi says something, he delivers on it," Sarma said, highlighting the party's commitment to fulfilling its promises.
The upcoming elections for Jharkhand's 81-member legislative assembly are expected to take place by December 2024, as the current government's tenure ends in January 2025. The Election Commission has not yet announced the schedule for the polls, but political parties have already started their preparations.
With the BJP’s focus on key welfare schemes for the youth and women, the party is aiming to connect with a broader section of voters in Jharkhand. The leadership believes that the initiatives announced as part of their manifesto will resonate well with the electorate and help the party secure a strong position in the upcoming polls.
The BJP's approach is to present itself as a party that delivers on its promises, focusing on development and welfare. By involving senior leaders and taking strategic steps to select strong candidates, the party aims to gain a significant edge over its rivals in Jharkhand.
The election is likely to see a tough contest between the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition and the BJP, which is striving to regain power in the state.
The party's promises under the "Paanch Prana" initiative are also being seen as a strategic move to target crucial voter segments. The emphasis on empowering women through financial assistance and providing educational support to young people reflects the BJP's broader strategy of inclusive development.
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