Ghatshila bypoll a prestige test for Hemant Soren

As Bihar gears up for assembly elections, a key political battle is unfolding in neighbouring Jharkhand, where a bypoll will be held on November 11 in the Ghatshila assembly seat - the first since Chief Minister Hemant Soren returned to power last year. The election, triggered by the death of sitting MLA and minister Ramdas Soren, is being seen as a referendum on the JMM government's popularity among tribal voters.

Ramdas Soren, a three-term MLA, had defeated BJP's Babulal Soren in 2024. With Champai Soren shifting to the BJP, Ramdas became JMM's key face in the region and was inducted into the cabinet. Following his death, the JMM has fielded his son Somesh Soren, while BJP has once again nominated Babulal Soren. JKLM leader Jairam Mahto has fielded Ramdas Murmu. Ghatshila, an ST-reserved seat, is witnessing intense competition for the tribal vote.

Mahto is highlighting the police encounter of Surya Hansda, a JKLM leader, to accuse the Soren government of being anti-tribal. JMM is countering with its welfare schemes like Maiyan Samman Yojana, which provides ₹2,500 per month to poor women. The result will be projected as a verdict on tribal welfare policies.