By Kaushik Kumar
Political suspense has once again deepened in Jharkhand after Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s sudden visit to the national capital. Though he is expected to return Ranchi today however, his presence in Delhi has triggered major speculation in Ranchi, with many believing that back-channel discussions with the BJP may be underway.
Although neither JMM nor BJP has made any official comment, the timing of the visit and the silence around it have created a wave of political chatter.
According to political pundits, Soren’s Delhi trip comes at a time when pressure from central agencies is increasing and the internal coordination within the ruling JMM–Congress–RJD alliance appears strained after the recent Bihar elections.
In such a delicate situation, even a small shift in equations can change the political balance of the state. This has given rise to rumours that both sides may be quietly exploring a possible realignment.
Many senior leaders in Ranchi say Delhi visits by Jharkhand political heads have often preceded major developments. Given the current tight numbers in the Assembly, any fresh equation between JMM and BJP could have far-reaching consequences.
The Big Question… Can Hemant Soren form a government with the BJP?
The main question echoing across Jharkhand’s political circles is: Can Hemant Soren join hands with the BJP to form the government?
According to political pundits, the answer is Yes.
Why the JMM might consider it:
Analysts point out several reasons why the JMM could see advantage in aligning with the BJP:
• With a “double-engine” setup, stalled central funds would be released smoothly.
• Key welfare schemes like Maiyya Samman Yojana require strong financial support; uninterrupted funds would keep governance and political comfort running.
• Instead of balancing between Congress and RJD, JMM would deal directly with one central high command.
• Pressure from ED and CBI would ease.
• The possibility of conferring the Bharat Ratna on Shibu Soren could strengthen the party’s legacy.
What the BJP could gain?
For the BJP, a partnership with a dominant tribal regional party could be a strategic breakthrough:
• In major tribal-influenced states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, JMM’s support base could significantly boost BJP’s outreach.
• In Jharkhand, seats like Dumka, Rajmahal, Khunti, and Chaibasa may tilt towards the alliance.
• The BJP aims to sweep Eastern India by 2029, and weakening Congress in Jharkhand is part of that larger plan.
• Nationally, BJP can project the move as offering “stability, not disruption”—similar to the Nitish Kumar model.
However, Jharkhand BJP’s tribal leaders may resist on joining hands with JMm
Despite the strategic advantages, many BJP tribal leaders may be uncomfortable with such an alliance because:
• Hemant Soren retaining the CM post would overshadow BJP’s own tribal leadership.
• The community’s leadership space may shift towards JMM for several years.
• Emerging tribal faces within the BJP would struggle to grow under JMM’s dominance.
• Senior leaders like Babulal Marandi and Arjun Munda, whose politics is built on opposing the JMM, may lose narrative.
Overall, a JMM–BJP alliance is definitely possible, just like it happened for a brief period in the past. Though the possible alliance could benefit both the sides however, a final decision will depend on what Delhi wants and what it is ready to offer.
And in the end, the real question is whether Ranchi will agree to it and choose a new path for running the state.
