The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a dominant force in Jharkhand politics, has expanded its influence nationwide, posing a challenge to established national parties. The party’s journey began in the 1980 assembly elections, where it secured a foothold by winning seven seats in the Santhal Pargana region, thus establishing itself as a regional power.
Key figures like Simon Marandi, Suraj Mandal, and others marked the JMM’s initial electoral success in 1980. The party maintained its presence, again securing seven seats in the 1985 assembly elections.
The 1990 assembly elections marked a pivotal moment for the JMM, as they increased their representation by winning eight seats in the Santhal Pargana region. The party’s influence now spans across all five divisions of Jharkhand, with Santhal and Kolhan considered as JMM strongholds.
The 2019 elections saw the JMM dominate in Santhal Pargana, winning nine out of eighteen seats, with the BJP managing only four. The Congress party secured five seats.
In the Kolhan division, the BJP faced a complete defeat in 2019, with the JMM and its Congress allies winning thirteen out of fourteen seats, and one independent candidate taking the final seat.
The 2024 assembly elections saw the JMM, under Hemant Soren, achieve a historic victory, winning 34 seats in Jharkhand for the first time. Hemant Soren was elected as the central president, while Shibu Soren was designated as the founding patron of the party at the 13th Central Convention held in Ranchi.
Despite Shibu Soren’s absence from active campaigning in the 2024 elections due to health, his impact on Jharkhand’s politics remains significant, with his name alone being a catalyst for electoral success.
Shibu Soren’s political journey is strongly tied to the ‘Tundi’ seat, where he initially ran for the assembly, though unsuccessfully in 1977. During this time, he was awarded the title of ‘Dishom Guru’. His first electoral attempt in Tundi was unsuccessful.
In the 1970s, Shibu Soren mobilized the tribal communities in Tundi through the ‘Dhan Katni’ movement, opposing moneylenders and exploitative practices. This movement led to the tribals embracing Shibu Soren and bestowing upon him the title of ‘Dishom Guru,’ meaning ‘Guru of the Land’ in the Santhali language.
The defeat in 1977 became a turning point, shifting Shibu Soren’s focus to Santhal Pargana. This shift proved highly successful, leading to the JMM’s victory in the 1980 Lok Sabha elections from the Dumka seat, with Shibu Soren defeating a prominent Congress leader. This marked his first entry into the Lok Sabha.
After losing in 1984, Shibu Soren won the Jama assembly seat in 1985, entering the Bihar assembly. He then secured a Lok Sabha seat from Dumka in 1989 and repeated this success in 2004, 2009, and 2014. Currently, he serves as a Rajya Sabha MP.
Political observers note that control of Jharkhand often hinges on success in Santhal Pargana and Kolhan, explaining the recent surge in rallies by central leaders in these regions. Dishom Guru Shibu Soren is revered among the Santhals as a deity, inspiring unwavering faith and electoral support for him and his family.