The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a dominant political force in Jharkhand, has broadened its impact across India, often directly challenging established national parties. The JMM’s journey began in the 1980 assembly elections, where it established its regional presence by winning seven seats in the Santhal Pargana region.
In the 1980 assembly elections, Simon Marandi, Suraj Mandal, and others achieved initial victories under the JMM banner. The party sustained its strength, winning seven seats again in the 1985 elections.
The 1990 assembly elections were a crucial turning point for the JMM, as it increased its representation by winning eight seats in the Santhal Pargana region. Today, the JMM exerts its influence across all five divisions of Jharkhand, with Santhal and Kolhan recognized as core areas of support.
The 2019 elections saw the JMM achieve considerable success in Santhal Pargana, securing nine out of eighteen seats, while the BJP managed only four. The Congress party also secured a respectable number of seats, winning five.
In Kolhan, the BJP faced a complete defeat in 2019, with the JMM and Congress coalition winning thirteen out of fourteen seats, and an independent candidate securing the remaining seat.
In the 2024 assembly elections, the JMM, under Hemant Soren, achieved a historic feat, winning thirty-four assembly seats. Hemant Soren was subsequently elected as the central president, and Shibu Soren was designated as the party’s founding patron.
Despite Shibu Soren’s limited involvement in the 2024 assembly elections due to health reasons, his influence continues to be a pivotal factor in Jharkhand’s politics, often contributing to electoral success for candidates.
Shibu Soren’s political narrative is closely linked to the ‘Tundi’ constituency. While he did not win the 1977 assembly election, he was bestowed with the title of ‘Dishom Guru’. His initial assembly attempt from Tundi was unsuccessful.
In the 1970s, Shibu Soren mobilized tribal communities through the ‘Dhan Katni’ movement, which opposed exploitative practices by moneylenders. This initiative resulted in tribals embracing Shibu Soren and giving him the title of ‘Dishom Guru,’ which translates to ‘Guru of the Land’ in the Santhali language.
The 1977 electoral loss marked a significant turning point, leading Shibu Soren to shift his focus to Santhal Pargana. This strategic move proved successful, leading to the JMM’s victory in the 1980 Lok Sabha elections from the Dumka seat, with Shibu Soren defeating a prominent Congress leader. This marked his first entry into the Lok Sabha.
Following a defeat in 1984, Shibu Soren won the Jama assembly seat in 1985, entering the Bihar assembly. He secured a Lok Sabha seat from Dumka in 1989 and repeated this success in 2004, 2009, and 2014. Presently, he serves as a Rajya Sabha MP.
It is also commonly observed that success in Jharkhand politics often relies on success in the Santhal Pargana and Kolhan regions, which is why central leaders are increasingly holding rallies in these areas. Among the Santhals, Dishom Guru Shibu Soren is viewed as a revered figure, attracting unwavering faith and support for him and his family in elections.