Congress wins in Jharkhand but remains in tension
Hemant Soren’s power has been replicated in Jharkhand. The performance of ally Congress has also been the same as the last time. Despite this, congressmen are in tension here. Despite the victory in Jharkhand, three reasons are given for the Congressmen to be in tension. Among them, the first reason is the number of MLAs, the second is participation in the government and the third is respect.
JMM does not need a majority in Congress
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has single-handedly won 34 seats. Which is just 7 less than forming a government. JMM’s ally ML won 2 seats and RJD 4 seats. Parties like AJSU, JDU and JLKM also won 1 seat each.
Congress has definitely won 16 seats this time, but the party is not playing the role of king-maker. Even if the Congress does not support him, Hemant Soren will not face any problem in leading the government.
Not being able to play the role of kingmaker has become a source of tension for the Congress. Even if the Congress joins the government now, its demands will not be high.
You will not be able to negotiate the distribution of power
The last time the Congress won elections with the same number of seats, it bagged 4 ministerial berths. Congress also acquired importance in the distribution of departments. The party obtained departments such as finance, rural development, agriculture and health. However, MLA and RJD did not have dominance in that government.
Now the number of RJD seats has increased. RJD will also want big apartments for himself. In such a situation, there is little chance of Congress gaining importance in the distribution of departments. Recently, Omar Abdullah did not comment on Congress winning fewer seats in Jammu and Kashmir.
Angered, the Congress had decided not to join the government. The situation in Jharkhand is also said to be similar. However, the final decision has to be taken by Hemant Soren.
Congress lacks a leader with coordination
The Congress lacks a leader who can coordinate MLAs from across Jharkhand. Earlier, Bermo MLA Rajendra Singh used to look after this job within the Jharkhand Congress. After Singh’s death, this work was handed over to Alamgir Alam. While Alam was the leader of the legislative party, a dozen Congress MPs had adopted the posture of rebellion.
All these MLAs came to Delhi and stood firm. Later, Alamgir Alam himself went to jail. Instead of Alam, Congress appointed Rameshwar Oraon as leader of the legislative party, but in these assembly elections, Rameshwar did not vacate his Lohardaga seat.
It is said that among all the MLAs who have won this time, there is none whose appeal is within the entire Congress. In such a situation, it is not easy for the Big Old Party to keep everyone simple.
What did Ghulam Mir say about government formation?
Jharkhand Congress in-charge general secretary Ghulam Ahmed Mir has said that efforts will be made to form the government after the results are announced. Now we are waiting for the final result. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hemant Soren asserted that the people have given the mandate to the government. We will keep our promise.
Of the 81 seats in Jharkhand, JMM has won 34, Congress 16, RJD 4 and ML 2. The NDA alliance has won 24 seats. Jairam Mahato has won a seat.
To form a government in Jharkhand, 41 MLAs are needed.
