RANCHI: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is likely to contest 31 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam. The decision was reportedly taken after detailed deliberations during a central committee meeting attended by senior party leaders.
According to party leaders, the move is based on the belief that Assam has a significant tribal population, including many people originally from Jharkhand, whose social and economic aspirations require stronger political representation. They said the party aims to amplify these voices and contest the elections with a focus on safeguarding their rights.
The party also believes that the people of Assam will support a politics centred on development, dignity and rights.
However, party leaders have refrained from disclosing further details at this stage.
“It is certain that we will contest the Assam polls, but I cannot comment on the number of seats we will contest. If any decision has been taken at the top level, I am not aware of it,” said JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey. He added that it is yet to be decided whether the party will contest the elections independently or in alliance with any other political party.
Meanwhile, the party on Monday released a list of 20 star campaigners for the Assam elections. The list includes Hemant Soren, Chief Minister of Jharkhand, his wife and MLA Kalpana Soren, along with several senior party leaders and Cabinet ministers.
Assam has a sizeable population of tea garden workers, most of whom are tribals who migrated from the Chhotanagpur region of Jharkhand during the British era. The JMM is looking to mobilise this community as a potential support base.
During his recent visit to Assam, Hemant Soren said that tribal communities in the state are a vital part of the country’s tea industry and that their hard work has brought recognition to the sector. He stressed that these communities must receive the rights and respect they deserve.
“To protect their existence, identity and rights, the tribal community must remain organised and aware. Unless society unites, the struggle for their rights may weaken,” Soren said.
He further added that if the poor, labourers and marginalised sections of society unite, no force can suppress their voice.
During his visit, Soren also met leaders of two opposition parties separately, indicating that the JMM may explore tactical alliances with local parties.
Earlier, during the party’s 13th General Convention held in Ranchi in April last year, JMM announced plans to expand its political activity in selected constituencies in Assam, Odisha and West Bengal. Party leaders had then stated that they intended to contest elections in Assam by organising migrant communities from Jharkhand.
According to party sources, JMM is also working on a broader strategy to move beyond its image as a regional party and gradually establish itself as a national political force. As part of this plan, the party aims to expand its presence in New Delhi, West Bengal, Assam and Chhattisgarh.