Is Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Drifting Away from the Mahagathbandhan?
Speculation continues to swirl in Jharkhand’s political corridors over whether Chief Minister Hemant Soren is distancing himself from the ruling Mahagathbandhan and exploring a possible realignment with the BJP. The buzz has raised fresh questions about the stability of the JMM-Congress-RJD coalition.
Rumours intensified after multiple reports claimed that Soren and a few senior JMM leaders recently engaged in informal backchannel conversations with BJP figures in Delhi — coinciding with tensions within the alliance after the Bihar elections.
What Sparked the Speculation?
- Bihar Seat-Sharing Fallout
The immediate trigger appears to be JMM’s dissatisfaction over not being allotted a single seat in the Bihar Assembly elections.
Party insiders say this has added to internal discontent and prompted discussions about the relevance of the current alliance structure.
- Reports of Backchannel Outreach
Several media outlets have suggested that Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren have explored options outside the Mahagathbandhan and may have held indirect talks with BJP leaders.
However, neither side has publicly confirmed these claims.
- BJP’s Escalating Political Offensive
The BJP has sharply increased its criticism of the Soren government, targeting it over corruption issues, tribal land policies and developmental gaps — further heightening political tension in the state.
What Are the Parties Saying?
JMM & Congress: “Alliance Is Stable”
Leaders from both parties have dismissed the rumours as speculative, insisting that the coalition remains “stable, united and fully functional.”
Soren’s Response
While Hemant Soren has accused the BJP of “trying to destabilise tribal regions,” he has avoided giving a direct clarification on whether he plans to switch sides — a silence that has only strengthened political curiosity.
How Real Is the Possibility of a Shift?
For now, the situation remains fluid:
- No official move has been made by Soren or the JMM
- Opinions within JMM appear divided, with a section reportedly arguing for a review of the alliance
- Congress maintains confidence that the government will complete its term
- Political analysts say a shift cannot be entirely ruled out, especially if JMM sees strategic advantages in aligning with the BJP or the Centre
Some experts have even likened the scenario to previous sudden realignments in Indian politics — including the Nitish Kumar-style alliance switch — suggesting that rapid changes cannot be discounted.
Yet, at this stage, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Hemant Soren is preparing to walk out of the Mahagathbandhan.
Jharkhand’s political landscape is on edge. While speculation of a possible JMM–BJP understanding has intensified, the ruling coalition continues to remain officially intact. Any major move by Hemant Soren could significantly alter state politics — but for now, the scenario remains firmly in the realm of political speculation, not certainty.