Why is Jharkhand's election different this time? These 5 factors are enough to understand

Jharkhand Elections 2024: Jharkhand, which came into existence 24 years ago, is standing at an unprecedented political juncture this time. Neither the traditional issues have an echo in the politics of the state, nor the hold of the old equations. At such a time, the leaders who have entered the electoral fray seem unable to raise old problems. Five major reasons are being cited behind this change in the political picture of Jharkhand, which has completely changed this election.

1. End of the 60 vs 40 debate

The issue of "60 vs 40" has long been at the center of Jharkhand politics. The equation of 60% local and 40% outside population had shaped the electoral agendas. The issue of locality based on the 1932 Khatian has also often been the pole of politics.

The return of Hemant Soren in 2019 had strengthened this issue, but this time it is missing from the center of discussion. BJP is unable to emphasize on this, while JMM is on the defensive due to its inability to implement this issue.

2. Weakening of caste equations

Adivasi, Kurmi, and Yadav castes have been playing a major role in Jharkhand politics. But this time the edge of caste mobilization has become blunt.

Instead of caste conflicts, the questions of tribal identity and outsiders-infiltration have become primary. Kurmi community leader Jairam Mahto had created some stir before the elections, but now this issue has cooled down. RJD, which used to mobilize on the basis of Yadavs, now seems to be dependent only on JMM.

3. Rise of women vote bank

This time an independent and effective vote bank of women has emerged in Jharkhand politics.

India Alliance is trying to woo women through "Maiya Samman Yojana". At the same time, NDA has made a strategy to attract women with schemes like "Gogo Didi" and land registration for one rupee.

According to Election Commission data, there are 128 women candidates in the fray this time, which is more than in 2019 (127) and 2014 (111).

4. Weak presence of third front

The third front has played an important role in Jharkhand politics. In 2005, Babulal Marandi and other parties made a strong presence as the third force.

However, this time the picture is different. Babulal Marandi is now with the BJP, and the election is limited only between the NDA and the All India Alliance. The influence of the third front has become nominal.

5. Influence of Bihar parties reduced

The influence of Bihar parties in Jharkhand politics was quite big earlier. In 2005, JDU and RJD fielded a large number of candidates in Jharkhand.

In 2024, RJD and JDU are contesting only on a few seats under an agreement. RJD has been reduced to 5 seats, while JDU is only on 2 seats. CPI(ML) has also been able to field candidates on only 4 seats.

Conclusion

This election in Jharkhand has shifted focus from traditional issues to new dimensions. Issues like localism, caste equations and external interference have been replaced by topics like women empowerment, tribal identity and infiltration.

It will be interesting to see which party wins the trust of the people of the state amid these changing equations and new factors and in which direction it takes the politics of Jharkhand.