The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), now a prominent political entity in Jharkhand, has effectively extended its influence across the nation, often presenting a challenge to national parties. The party’s initial foray into electoral politics began in the 1980 assembly elections, securing its position as a regional player by winning seven seats in the Santhal Pargana region.
In the 1980 assembly elections, the JMM saw key figures like Simon Marandi, Suraj Mandal, and others win under its banner. The party maintained its strength, again winning seven seats in the 1985 elections.
The 1990 assembly elections proved a decisive moment for the JMM, with the party increasing its representation by winning eight seats in the Santhal Pargana region. The JMM now enjoys considerable influence across Jharkhand’s five divisions, with Santhal and Kolhan areas considered strongholds.
In the 2019 elections, the JMM saw significant victories in Santhal Pargana, winning nine out of eighteen seats, while the BJP secured only four. The Congress party also achieved success, winning five seats.
In Kolhan, the BJP suffered a complete defeat in 2019, with the JMM and Congress coalition winning 13 out of 14 seats, and an independent candidate taking the final seat.
Under Hemant Soren’s leadership in the 2024 assembly elections, the JMM achieved a historic feat by winning 34 assembly seats. Hemant Soren was elected as the central president, and Shibu Soren became the party’s founding patron.
Despite his health concerns leading to a limited role in the 2024 assembly elections, Shibu Soren’s influence continues to be a defining factor in Jharkhand’s politics, often propelling candidates to electoral success.
Shibu Soren’s political narrative is deeply rooted in the ‘Tundi’ constituency. While he didn’t win the 1977 assembly election, he received the title of ‘Dishom Guru’. His initial electoral attempt from Tundi was unsuccessful.
During the 1970s, Shibu Soren mobilized tribal communities through the ‘Dhan Katni’ movement, opposing exploitation by moneylenders. This movement led to the tribals adopting Shibu Soren as their leader and bestowing upon him the title ‘Dishom Guru,’ meaning ‘Guru of the Land’ in the Santhali language.
The 1977 electoral loss marked a turning point, shifting Shibu Soren’s focus to Santhal Pargana. This strategy proved highly successful, resulting in the JMM’s victory in the 1980 Lok Sabha elections from the Dumka seat, with Shibu Soren defeating a prominent Congress leader. This marked his first entry into the Lok Sabha.
After a defeat in 1984, Shibu Soren won the Jama assembly seat in 1985, entering the Bihar assembly. He then secured a Lok Sabha seat from Dumka in 1989, and repeated this in 2004, 2009, and 2014. Currently, he is a Rajya Sabha MP.
Political observers also recognize that success in Jharkhand often hinges on the Santhal Pargana and Kolhan regions, which explains the recent series of rallies conducted by central leaders in these areas. Dishom Guru Shibu Soren is revered among the Santhals, reflecting strong faith and support for him and his family in elections.
