The political temperature in Jharkhand is rising ahead of the Ghatsila by-election. The BJP has fielded Babulal, son of former Chief Minister Champai Soren, as its candidate. On the other hand, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has nominated Somesh, son of former Education Minister Ramdas Soren. Both candidates are in a direct contest. The Ghatsila seat fell vacant after the death of former Education Minister Ramdas Soren. The by-election is scheduled for November 11, and results will be declared on November 14.
Babulal Thanks BJP Leaders for Candidacy
Following his nomination by the BJP, Champai Soren’s son, Babulal, expressed gratitude in a social media post. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP National President J.P. Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, state president Babulal Marandi, and all party leaders and workers for trusting him as the official candidate.
Previous Assembly Election Results
In the 2024 assembly elections, the BJP had also fielded Babulal Soren as its candidate. However, he faced defeat. In that election, JMM’s candidate Ramdas Soren received 98,356 votes, while BJP’s Babulal Soren received 75,910 votes.
JMM Plays Emotional Card, BJP Counters Strategically
Due to Ramdas Soren’s passing, the JMM has nominated his son Somesh to create an emotional factor in the by-election. Political analysts, however, suggest that underestimating the strategy of the BJP and former CM Champai Soren could prove problematic for JMM. Champai Soren is considered a strong pillar of Kolhan politics. He has been actively campaigning in favor of his son. Therefore, the Ghatsila by-election is not just an emotional contest but also significant for the political future of Jharkhand. In essence, this election is a direct clash between Chief Minister Hemant Soren and former Chief Minister Champai Soren.
