NEW DELHI: Champai Soren’s induction in BJP ahead of Jharkhand’s Assembly elections is a strategic move to regain lost ground and bolster the party’s appeal among tribal communities.
The induction of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the state’s Assembly elections later this year—coinciding with elections in Maharashtra—represents a strategic move by BJP. Despite recent setbacks in Jharkhand, the party hopes that Soren’s inclusion will help them regain lost ground, and enhance their appeal among tribal communities.
Champai Soren, a six-time MLA from Seraikela and a trusted ally of JMM leader Shibu Soren, is a prominent figure known as the “Kolhan Tiger”. The Kolhan region, located in the southeastern part of Jharkhand, comprises three key districts: West Singhbhum, Saraikela Kharsawan, and East Singhbhum. This area holds significant political importance due to its 14 Assembly seats, each heavily influenced by the tribal population that forms the majority in this region. The tribal communities have a deep-rooted presence in Kolhan, shaping the cultural and socio-political landscape of the area. The region has historically been a stronghold for tribal leaders and parties that champion their rights and interests. As a result, any political contest in Kolhan is heavily centred on tribal issues, making it a critical battleground in state elections. The region’s unique demographic composition ensures that the political strategies here are tailored to resonate with tribal sentiments, addressing their concerns on land rights, development, and cultural preservation.
A key supporter of the Jharkhand statehood movement, Soren has been closely associated with JMM for over three decades, serving as its flag bearer. His recent induction into BJP, now offers the party a new opportunity to build trust among tribal communities.
Soren is a prominent tribal leader in Jharkhand, known for his strong influence and deep grassroots presence in the state’s tribal regions. His popularity within the tribal community is reflected in his electoral success, having won the Seraikela Assembly seat—a tribal stronghold—once as an Independent and five times as a candidate from JMM. Now that he has joined the BJP, Soren is expected to significantly enhance the party’s prospects in South Jharkhand, a region with a substantial tribal population that borders West Bengal and Odisha.
Given his prominence in Kolhan’s grassroots politics, Soren is anticipated to play a crucial role in the upcoming Assembly election. As In the 2019 Assembly election, BJP was disappointed with its performance, securing only two of the 28 reserved seats. Now, with Soren joining the party, BJP hopes to strengthen its appeal among the tribal electorate. Out of the 81 Assembly seats, 28 are reserved for Scheduled Tribes. Approximately 20 of the ST seats are located in the southern and eastern tribal belts.
The Kolhan region, where Soren holds significant influence, consists of 14 Assembly seats, including Seraikela, Kharasawan, Manoharpur, Jagannathpur, Majhganin, and others. In the 2019 Assembly elections, BJP failed to win any seats in this region. However, with Soren’s recent induction, BJP hopes to make gains this time around. Soren has already made efforts by highlighting the importance of safeguarding tribal identity and existence, asserting that it is “at stake in Santhal Pargana due to rampant infiltration from Bangladesh.” This narrative aligns with the stance of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is co-in charge of the Jharkhand BJP, and has often been criticised by opposition parties for engaging in extreme polarisation politics.
A senior BJP leader from the state, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed confidence that Soren’s induction will bolster trust among the tribal community, reinforcing the perception that BJP stands with them. He acknowledged the party’s lack of success in the Kolhan region during the 2019 elections but emphasised that Soren’s influence in Kolhan will significantly improve BJP’s performance this time. The leader also highlighted the party’s ambitious goal of winning 14 out of the 28 reserved seats, aided by prominent tribal leaders like Champai Soren, Babulal Marandi, and Arjun Munda.
Political analyst Aditya Rathi also noted that Champai Soren is a formidable tribal leader in the Kolhan region. He emphasised Soren’s ability to mobilise supporters and his deep personal connections with the local people. Rathi pointed out that Soren’s intimate knowledge of JMM’s ground operations, weaknesses, and voter dynamics puts pressure on JMM in the changed political landscape. He suggested that Soren could significantly influence elections in the Kolhan region, and this could be an advantage for BJP in other tribal areas across the state.