The Jharkhand Assembly elections are shaping up as a straight contest between the JMM-led INDIA bloc in the state and the BJP-led NDA. However, both coalitions are yet to finalise seat-sharing arrangements. The ruling INDIA bloc is grappling with seat distribution issues. As per sources, of the total 81 seats in the Jharkhand, the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is likely to contest 43 seats. While the Congress will secure 29 seats, RJD will get 5 seats and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) [CPI-ML] will get 4 seats. The first list of Congress candidates will be issued after October 19, AICC general secretary and its Jharkhand in-charge, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, said. On the other hand, BJP aims to contest 68 seats, while AJSU is likely to get around 10 seats. The NDA’s umbrella is set to grow in the state, with the Janata Dal (United) and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) also keen to fight together in the state. According to sources, JD(U) will get 2 seats and 1 seat will go to LJP-RV. Jharkhand polls will be held in two phases on November 13 and November 20, while the counting of the votes will be held on November 23.
Kalpana Soren Leads JMM’s Jharkhand Campaign Wooing Women Voters
In Jharkhand, both the JMM-led INDIA bloc and the BJP-led NDA are yet to finalise seat-sharing arrangements. The JMM has made its Maiya Samman Yojna the centre-piece of its campaign and leading it from the front is Kalpana Soren, the Gandey MLA and CM Hemant Soren’s wife. As part of the welfare scheme launched in August, women between 18 and 50 years old from underprivileged communities are now eligible to receive Rs2,500 each month, as the state cabinet on 14 October increased the amount from Rs 1000. The very next day, the EC announced that the Jharkhand assembly election would be held on November 13 and 20, with counting scheduled for November 23. To ensure people are acquainted about the scheme and receive the feedback from the ground, the Soren government initiated the Maiya Samman Yatra on September 23 to counter the BJP’s Parivartan Yatra that concluded on October 2. Spearheading the Maiya Samman Yatra related to the scheme, the Jharkhand CM’s wife Kalpana has emerged as a key leader in her own right. Her direct engagement with women voters, often dining with them in rural districts, has resonated deeply and her growing political stature showcase her as a figure to watch in this election.
Maharashtra State Polls: Intense Battle As MVA Faces Ruling Mahayuti
As Maharashtra goes to polls on November 20 with the counting on November 23, the battle has started with ruling alliance Mahayuti, comprising Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, BJP, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, eyeing to retain the power. Meanwhile, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (SP) and Congress, aim to secure a majority and overthrow the present government. Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has decided to go alone, and some regional players are also looking to put together a third front. Both the alliances – the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi — have not yet announced any chief ministerial face for the election. However, the government is relying and putting faith on the popularity of Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, and the opposition is wary of its impact. Be it the OBC, Maratha or the Dhangar-Adivasi face-off, or the impact of Maratha leader Manoj Jarange Patil in Marathwada, or the possibility of a third front, the upcoming elections will be intense. Agricultural distress, particularly of soybean and cotton farmers, joblessness among youths, law and order, and women’s safety will likely be the issues that will dominate the elections apart from caste-based reservation demands.
UP Bypolls: Congress, SP Still Ironing Out Seat-Sharing Issues
The Election Commission has announced bypolls to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh on November 13, but INDIA allies Congress and SP are yet to arrive at a seat-sharing agreement. A meeting between the top leadership of two parties was held on Monday, where Congress is now demanding 3 seats, but SP is not keen to give more than 2 seats, Ghaziabad and Khair, to save the relationship. State president Ajay Rai and other Congress leaders emphasised the importance of the alliance with the SP, downplaying ticket distribution concerns for the bypolls. Both parties are competing for Muslim and Dalit voters, particularly in seats like Phulpur, Meerapur and Majhawan. The outcome of these bypolls could shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. A final decision is expected after SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and senior Congress leaders Rahul and/or Priyanka Gandhi sign off on the seat-sharing arrangements.
Expelled From Kerala Congress, Sarin To Now Fight Under CPI-M Banner
After Youth Congress leader P Sarin raised a banner of revolt over denial of ticket in the November 13 by-poll to Palakkad Assembly constituency, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K Sudhakaran has expelled Sarin from the organisation’s primary membership. Meanwhile, Sarin has singled out the Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, accusing him of hobnobbing with the BJP, under the guise of championing anti-communism. And in a bid to cash in on the mess within the Congress, the CPI-M has decided to field Sarin in the assembly by-election from Palakkad, where the party finished third in the previous instance. (IPA Service)
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