Alliance will remain strong till 2029, says JMM

PNS

Ranchi

Amid ongoing tensions within the ruling alliance in Jharkhand over the Rajya Sabha elections, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has clarified its stand, with senior leader Supriyo Bhattacharya stating that the party will field candidates on both seats.

Addressing the media, Bhattacharya said that elections to the two Rajya Sabha seats would only take place if more than two candidates contested. He pointed out that the ruling alliance—comprising JMM, Congress, RJD, and Left parties—has a combined strength of 56 MLAs, which is sufficient to secure victory on both seats.

He emphasized that both the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were contested under the leadership of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and the alliance received a clear mandate from the people. “The Rajya Sabha elections, too, will be fought under Hemant Soren’s leadership,” he asserted.

Bhattacharya further stated that JMM has officially authorized Hemant Soren to take decisions on behalf of the party. He reiterated the party’s position that both Rajya Sabha seats should go to JMM candidates.

Highlighting JMM’s commitment to alliance politics, he said the party has upheld coalition principles even in challenging situations. Referring to the Bihar Assembly elections, he noted that JMM was not included there but still maintained the spirit of the alliance. In Jharkhand, he added, RJD has been given a respectable share in governance, including a ministerial berth.

Expressing displeasure over the Congress’ unilateral decision to announce Pranav Jha as its candidate, Bhattacharya said that such a move without prior consultation creates discomfort within the alliance. “If Congress intended to field a candidate or had the numbers, it should have first discussed the matter with Chief Minister Hemant Soren and alliance partners. Announcing a name without consensus can create an uneasy situation within the coalition,” he said.

Despite the differences, Bhattacharya maintained that the Mahagathbandhan remains strong and united, expressing confidence that the alliance will continue cohesively till 2029.