Guwahati, Mar 20: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is gearing up for a major political expansion by planning to contest around 31 seats in the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, in a move aimed at broadening its footprint beyond Jharkhand and emerging as a national player.
According to party sources, the decision to contest 31 seats has been taken “in principle” after detailed internal deliberations, though a final announcement is yet to be made. The strategy is part of JMM’s efforts to consolidate support among Assam’s sizeable tea-tribe population, estimated at nearly 70 lakh, many of whom trace their roots to Jharkhand’s Chhotanagpur region.
Party leaders believe these communities, particularly tea garden workers, present a strong base for expansion, citing long-standing socio-economic concerns and inadequate political representation. “These communities have long-standing social and economic concerns that have not been adequately addressed,” a party leader said, adding that there is a growing demand for stronger political voice.
JMM general secretary Vinod Pandey said Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has emerged as a key figure in tribal politics, whose appeal could resonate in Assam. “He has earned the trust of tribal communities… and can fight injustice,” Pandey said, noting that local tribal groups view Soren as a strong leader capable of raising their issues.
Soren, who has made multiple visits to Assam since returning to power in 2024, is expected to intensify campaigning in the state. Addressing a recent gathering, he asserted, “We will definitely become the voice of those tribals facing atrocities elsewhere, whether it is in Assam, Manipur or any corner of the country.”
As part of its outreach, the party has announced 20 star campaigners, including Soren and Kalpana Soren, and has been highlighting the contribution of tea garden workers to Assam’s economy while advocating Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for them. Soren has also written to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, raising concerns over the condition of tea tribes.
Meanwhile, political activity around possible alliances has intensified. JMM is in touch with opposition parties, including the Congress, with Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi having met Soren recently. The Jai Bharat Party (JBP) has also expressed willingness to ally with the party.
Framing its campaign around “development, dignity and rights of tribals,” JMM has accused the current Assam leadership of neglecting tribal welfare and prioritising resource extraction. With elections scheduled soon, the party is positioning itself as a key contender for the tea-tribe vote bank as it seeks to expand its political footprint beyond Jharkhand.
