Is there a big deal behind JMM's 'silence' in Bengal elections? Photo- Jagran
Pradeep Singh, Jharkhand. As the sound of assembly elections in West Bengal increases, political activity is at its peak. BJP's aggressive politics, continuous activism of the central leadership and the experience of becoming the main opposition party in the 2021 elections, all these factors make this election very important for Trinamool Congress President Mamata Banerjee.
In such a situation, the question arises whether this time the coordination between Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Trinamool Congress, which has a desire for political expansion outside Jharkhand, will be able to take a concrete shape or will JMM have to face the same experience as Bihar?
What happened different in the last election?
BJP may have stayed away from power in the last assembly elections, but reaching 77 seats would be considered an extraordinary leap for any political party. Especially in North Bengal, Jungle Mahal and tribal dominated areas, BJP's penetration has created a new challenge for Trinamool Congress. This time, Mamata Banerjee is busy in strengthening the same social base, where BJP had succeeded in making a dent somewhere.
Tribal voters have a decisive role in the districts of Bengal adjoining Jharkhand. This is the area where JMM has had historical acceptance. Late Dishom Guru Shibu Soren had a long political association with these areas. He enjoyed respect and recognition not only in Jharkhand but also in the tribal areas of Bengal. It is this legacy that makes Hemant Soren's political stature influential in these areas today.
Can JMM be a game changer in Bengal?
There are about a dozen assembly seats in Bengal, where JMM's role can be a game changer. If JMM contests the elections directly or goes into clear coordination with Trinamool, Mamata Banerjee may benefit in preventing polarization of tribal votes. Especially where BJP has tried to strengthen its hold by making tribal discontent an issue.
The political relationship between Hemant Soren and Mamata Banerjee is not new. There is similarity in the thinking of both the leaders on the question of non-BJP ruled provinces, federal structure and rights of the states. A formal alliance may not have been formed in the last assembly elections, but on the request of Mamata Banerjee, Hemant Soren had campaigned in support of Trinamool candidates.
This was a sign that the political doors were not completely closed. However, the lack of coordination last time proved to be a missed opportunity for JMM. Organizational limitations, lack of consensus on seat distribution, all these reasons came in the way. This time, if JMM remains limited to just support and does not get solid seats, then it may again remain a symbolic role for it. JMM's experience in the recent Bihar elections has been disappointing. In the initial phase, there were indications of giving seats by Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress, but in the last phase, JMM did not get the opportunity to contest the elections. This development taught the JMM leadership that mere assurance is not enough, but a written and clear agreement is necessary. The biggest question in Bengal too is, will JMM this time run only on trust, or will it demand solid political participation?
What is the meaning of Bengal elections for Mamta and Hemant?
For Mamata Banerjee too, this election is like do or die. Amidst the growing electoral juggernaut of BJP, it is becoming a compulsion for them to take along small and medium allies. By aligning with JMM, they can get dual benefits - one is a strong message against BJP in tribal areas and second is a signal of non-BJP unity at the national level.
For JMM, Bengal elections are not just a question of seats but also a question of political identity. If it goes into a respectable agreement with Trinamool, it can further strengthen itself as a regional tribal power outside Jharkhand. But if it is sidelined at the last moment like in Bihar, it will be a blow to its political confidence, it can be said.
If there is clear coordination, respectable seats and a common campaign strategy, then this alliance can pose a challenge to the BJP in Bengal. But if the matter is limited only to assurances and symbolic support, then Bengal can also become a bitter experience for JMM like Bihar. At present, initial round of talks have started between the two parties. We will have to wait for a few days for clear results.