As the Ghatshila Assembly constituency heads for polling on Tuesday, the political heat has reached its zenith in this tribal heartland of East Singhbhum in Jharkhand.
The bye-election, being held for the Scheduled Tribe-reserved seat, has turned into a prestige contest between two Sorens — JMM’s Somesh Soren and BJP’s Babulal Soren — making it a duel loaded with legacy, sentiment, and strategy.
For the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, November 11 polling is more than a routine electoral exercise. It’s a bid to carry forward the legacy of late minister and sitting MLA Ramdas Soren, whose demise necessitated the bypoll.
His son, Somesh Soren, now steps into the fray, seeking to convert his father’s goodwill and developmental record into a renewed mandate. With the backing of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the formidable JMM organization, his campaign has combined emotional appeal with disciplined mobilization.
“Our connection with the people runs deep,” said a senior JMM leader adding, “Ramdas Soren worked tirelessly for this region — people haven’t forgotten his humility and development work. The turnout at Hemant and Kalpana Soren’s rallies proves that the public stands with us.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party, however, has mounted an equally spirited challenge. Under the watchful eye of former Chief Minister Champai Soren, the party has gone all out to regain lost ground in Kolhan. Massive participation in the BJP’s final roadshow has buoyed the cadre’s confidence. “The electorate wants a new direction, not just sentiment,” asserted a local BJP functionary. “We are ready for a strong showing.”
A total of 2,55,823 voters are eligible to cast their ballots, deciding the fate of 13 candidates, though the real tussle remains squarely between the JMM and BJP. The Jharkhand Loktantrik Morcha has made limited inroads but is unlikely to disrupt the bipolar contest.
Observers describe the bypoll as both an emotional tribute and a political litmus test. For the JMM, it is a chance to reaffirm faith in Hemant Soren’s leadership and welfare-driven governance. For the BJP, it represents an opportunity to tap into anti-incumbency currents and showcase its renewed grassroots strength.
Within the ruling camp, confidence runs high. JMM leaders believe that the sympathy wave following Ramdas Soren’s passing, coupled with the family’s long-standing rapport with the electorate, gives them an edge.
They highlight the late leader’s contributions — from pushing for a Tribal University to laying the groundwork for an Engineering College — as evidence of JMM’s commitment to Ghatshila’s growth.
Yet, much of the spotlight rests on Somesh Soren, who symbolises the party’s generational transition. Active in local politics for years, Somesh is seen as part of JMM’s emerging young leadership.
The seat has largely remained a JMM bastion since 2009, barring the 2014 setback during the Modi wave. Ramdas Soren reclaimed it in 2019 and consolidated it further in 2024 by defeating BJP’s Babulal Soren with a margin of over 22,000 votes.
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