The results of the Jharkhand assembly elections have dealt a blow to the NDA alliance. With the Indian Alliance’s big victory, many veteran NDA leaders failed to save their political credibility. These include names like opposition leader Amar Kumar Bauri, former minister Bhanu Pratap Shahi and Randhir Singh. Even AJSU party supremo Sudesh Mahato had to face defeat. Sudesh Mahato was defeated by JMM’s Amit Kumar Mahato, and AJSU was reduced to a single seat.
Hemant Soren’s ‘Maiya Samman Yojana’ had a tremendous impact among women. The announcement to increase the amount given under the scheme to ₹2,500 from December garnered huge support from women. It was a result of the confidence of women voters that many senior NDA leaders could not save their seats. Due to this scheme the BJP also has to face defeat. Not only this, it is believed that there are many other reasons for this.
Jairam Mahato’s party became the important reason for the defeat.
Jairam Mahato’s JLKM party contested 71 seats and won the Dumri seat. This party attracted many traditional Mahatos and young voters, making a dent in the NDA vote bank.
The advertising method became the cause of the loss.
The NDA leaders kept issues such as infiltration and conversion of Bangladesh at the centre, but this strategy was not successful in the tribal-dominated areas. Furthermore, the Indian alliance took advantage of the move of sending Hemant Soren to jail calling it an anti-tribal conspiracy.
Silence on tribal issues
Hemant Soren’s tribal face proved strong for the alliance with India. On the other hand, the NDA did not field any tribal face as Chief Minister. This created a perception in the tribal society that a non-tribal person can become a CM again.
Nepotism and angry workers
The BJP raised questions to opposition parties about nepotism, but itself promoted nepotism in ticket distribution. Because of this, many former party workers became angry and joined the opposition.
Ignore local leaders
Many NDA leaders remained overconfident. More emphasis was given to parachute leaders and air-to-air issues, while ground problems were ignored. The NDA’s defeat in Jharkhand is a result of many factors. These results can represent a big change in regional policy.
