'After Bihar Setback, Will JMM Reconsider Its Alliance in Jharkhand?'

Ranchi — The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which leads the ruling coalition in Jharkhand, finds itself isolated after being sidelined by its INDIA bloc partners in Bihar. The party, which had sought 16 seats in Bihar under the Grand Alliance, was ignored by the RJD and Congress until the last moment — a move that has caused significant strain within the coalition.

On Diwali, the JMM formally announced its withdrawal from the Bihar alliance, sparking speculation about whether the party might eventually chart an independent course in Jharkhand.

Senior JMM leader and state minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu accused the RJD and Congress of “political betrayal,” saying, “We gave them fair representation during the Jharkhand Assembly elections and even included an RJD MLA in the cabinet. Despite that, they humiliated us in Bihar. Their deceit is intolerable.”

Echoing this sentiment, JMM spokesperson Manoj Kumar Pandey said, “We made every effort to remain part of the alliance, but deceit and broken trust prevailed. Such betrayal weakens the INDIA bloc and leaves us deeply hurt.”

Congress leader Rakesh Sinha, however, clarified that his party was not to blame, stating that “JMM is a natural ally and deserved seats in Bihar,” but the issue arose from decisions taken by higher leadership levels.

Political analysts believe the episode has deeply impacted JMM’s leadership, though Chief Minister Hemant Soren, known for his cautious and strategic nature, is unlikely to take any rash decision that could endanger his government.

Experts suggest Soren might adopt a calibrated response — possibly dropping the RJD minister from the cabinet to express discontent — but will likely stop short of breaking ties outright.

As JMM lacks the numbers to govern independently, any move to go solo would require careful planning. Observers expect Soren to wait until after the Bihar elections to gauge the political climate before making any major shift.

With inputs from IANS