Tribal, oppressed people ousted double-engine govt, says CM Soren at JMM convention

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) began its state convention on Monday at the Tanabhagat Indoor Stadium in Khelgaon, Ranchi. The event, dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, is being held under the leadership of party founder and senior leader Shibu Soren.

On the opening day, Chief Minister Hemant Soren addressed party workers and supporters, stating that the tribal, indigenous, poor, marginalized, and oppressed communities of Jharkhand had decisively removed the "double-engine" BJP-led government from power in the 2019 elections. He emphasized that his government has remained committed to public welfare and is actively working to ensure that the rights and entitlements of tribals and indigenous people are protected and upheld.

Hemant Soren also pointed out that despite various attempts by opposition parties, the JMM-led state government—referred to as the "Abua Sarkar" (our own government)—has not bowed to external pressure. He asserted that all decisions taken by his administration have been guided by the needs and aspirations of the people of Jharkhand.

Reflecting on the state's journey since its formation, the Chief Minister said that the tribals, indigenous communities, and Dalits had long suffered from systemic exploitation and marginalization. He added that government policies in the past had driven many to despair, with some even forced into suicide due to land loss and economic hardship.

Sharing a personal note, Hemant Soren, who is serving his fourth term as Chief Minister and is also the working president of JMM, said that he learned the intricacies of politics from his father, Shibu Soren, who has been the guiding force behind the party’s ideology and struggles.

The convention will also witness important internal deliberations. JMM is considering amendments to its party constitution and evaluating strategies to strengthen laws that enable the return of tribal land. The party is expected to pass a resolution opposing the Waqf Amendment Act, and it is aiming to expand beyond Jharkhand, with a long-term vision of becoming a national party. With assembly elections approaching in Bihar and West Bengal, the party is formulating its strategy for these neighbouring states. Discussions are also underway about empowering local leadership, with plans to grant more authority to district and block-level leaders.

As part of the convention, new committees will be formed to restructure the organization, and selections will be made for central leadership positions including the party’s president, working president, and other key office-bearers. There is strong speculation that Kalpana Soren may be assigned a significant organizational role during this restructuring.