Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate and former Jharkhand Chief Minister, Champai Soren, has expressed strong confidence in his party’s success in the ongoing Jharkhand Assembly elections. Speaking from his constituency, Saraikela, on Monday, Soren asserted that the BJP will secure a clear majority. He highlighted the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration as a key concern in the Santhal Pargana region, stressing the party’s commitment to addressing the problem. “We will win in Jharkhand with a majority… Bangladeshi infiltration is the biggest issue in Santhal Pargana, and we have to uproot the infiltrators,” Soren stated.
Himanta Biswa Sarma Backs BJP’s Campaign Efforts
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is co-in-charge of the BJP’s election campaign in Jharkhand, also expressed optimism about the party’s prospects. He emphasized that the people of Jharkhand are eager for a “double-engine government” led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to a unified BJP government at both the state and central levels.
“We spent the last four months campaigning across Jharkhand. The response has been overwhelming, and the people are excited for PM Modi’s leadership,” Sarma said. He added that development and the fulfillment of citizens’ aspirations are central themes of the BJP’s campaign. “I am confident that the NDA will form a government with a full majority,” he asserted.
In response to the BJP’s confident predictions, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Manoj Pandey criticized the party’s tactics, accusing the BJP of attempting to deceive voters. Pandey argued that the BJP’s actions reflect desperation as it faces the prospect of a significant electoral defeat.
“Election Commission took cognizance, albeit late. The BJP’s behavior is a sign of desperation; they are aware of their declining support. They are trying to mislead the people of Jharkhand with edited and fabricated videos,” Pandey told reporters. He claimed that the people of Jharkhand continue to support the current Chief Minister Hemant Soren and the JMM.
Election Phases and Result Schedule
The Jharkhand Assembly elections are being conducted in two phases. The first phase took place on November 13, while the second phase is scheduled for November 20. The vote counting will occur on November 23, with the final results expected to be announced the same day. The BJP, led by its alliance under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and the JMM, the ruling party, are locked in a closely watched contest, with both sides projecting confidence in their chances of victory.
The BJP’s campaign has focused on promises of economic development, improved infrastructure, and measures to curb infiltration. The party’s leaders, including Champai Soren and Himanta Biswa Sarma, have rallied support around the concept of a “double-engine government” for enhanced state-central cooperation.
On the other hand, the JMM has centered its campaign on the achievements of the current state administration under Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The party aims to capitalize on local support and the perception of pro-people policies implemented during Soren’s tenure.
With the final phase of voting approaching, both parties are making last-ditch efforts to sway undecided voters and consolidate their bases ahead of the counting day on November 23.