Political Rift Widens: JMM Pulls Out of Bihar Polls, Reconsiders Alliance in Jharkhand

Ranchi: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has announced its withdrawal from the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, alleging “political treachery” by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress. The decision, formally declared by Jharkhand minister Sudivya Sonu, has cast a shadow over the Mahagathbandhan government in Jharkhand.

Addressing the media, Sonu said JMM had become a “victim of a well-planned political conspiracy” during seat-sharing discussions. “Both RJD and Congress have deceived JMM. This is political dishonesty of the highest order,” he stated.

According to Sonu, the JMM had initially agreed to contest six seats in Bihar but later withdrew in protest after being repeatedly sidelined by its allies. He recalled that the JMM had long supported the RJD in Bihar and offered the Congress both electoral and ministerial representation in Jharkhand. “Despite this, we have been insulted and betrayed,” he said.

Lashing out at the Congress, Sonu remarked, “As a major partner of the INDIA bloc, Congress should have spoken for JMM in Bihar. Instead, it chose silence — a stance that has deeply disappointed us.”

He also referred to a detailed meeting with Tejashwi Yadav in Patna on October 7, saying that despite assurances, no progress was made over the following 13 days. “On one hand, the RJD was finalising alliances with parties like VIP, while on the other, JMM was left waiting despite having influence in nearly 28 Bihar constituencies,” he said.

Sonu did not spare the Left parties either, reminding them of JMM’s past cooperation in seats like Nirsa and Sindri during the 2024 Assembly elections.

Hinting at a possible political realignment, the minister said, “The party will soon review its alliance in Jharkhand, keeping in mind the interests of the people and state. Whatever decision emerges will be taken on a fair and justified basis.”

The statement has sent political temperatures soaring in Ranchi, especially as it comes just days after JMM leaders had expressed confidence about contesting six seats in Bihar. With Monday’s announcement, speculation has intensified over the future of the ruling alliance in Jharkhand.