Gumla: Both JMM and BJP are engaged in an intense electoral battle for the Gumla (ST) assembly seat, with both parties focusing their campaigns on rural areas to secure tribal votes.
JMM has fielded incumbent MLA Bhushan Tirkey, while BJP nominated former Lohardaga MP and Union minister Sudarshan Bhagat.
BJP’s Mishir Kujur, who lost to Tirkey by 7,000 votes in 2019, has filed his nomination papers as an Independent candidate after being denied the party ticket.
BJP faces the challenge of preventing a split in its Sarna and Rautiya tribal vote base. However, party leaders, including state ST Morcha president Shivshankar Oraon, remain confident of win. The party has organised high-profile campaigns, including a rally by Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oraon in the Naxal-affected Sivil region and a roadshow by Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
JMM is banking on the state govt’s welfare schemes and commitment to preserving tribal identity. The party has received a boost from recent rallies by outgoing Chief Minister Hemant Soren and MLA Kalpana Soren.
However, JMM faces its own challenges with Independent candidate Vinay Bushan Toppo potentially splitting their traditional tribal vote base. Nevertheless, JMM senior leader Sardar Rajit Singh expresses optimism, highlighting the government's achievements and maintenance of peace during their tenure.
JMM district secretary Arif Ansari claims strong ground-level support, citing positive public response to government initiatives. The party's campaign emphasizes protecting "jal-jangle-jamin" (water-forest-land) and tribal pride, while BJP focuses on their ideology, Sarna religious code, and "Panch Pran" principles.
The outcome of this crucial contest could significantly impact both parties' political fortunes in the region.