Political activity has picked up pace in Jharkhand after Chief Minister Hemant Soren met the family of late education minister Ramdas Soren in Ranchi. With the Ghatshila Assembly seat lying vacant since Ramdas Soren’s death on 15th August, the ruling JMM appears set to field his elder son Somesh Soren as its candidate. Sources said the CM and party leadership are considering giving Somesh a cabinet berth before the by-election, a move seen as part of a Hemant Soren’s tested political formula.
Also Read: Jharkhand Education Minister Ramdas Soren Passes Away in Delhi
Cabinet Expansion After Pitripaksha
Party insiders said that cabinet expansion is expected after the conclusion of Pitripaksha, when Somesh may take oath as minister. The portfolio has not been decided yet. The move is seen as a continuation of Hemant Soren’s strategy, which earlier helped the party secure by-poll victories. In 2021, Hafizul Hasan was made minister before contesting the Madhupur by-election following Haji Hussain Ansari’s demise, and Baby Devi was inducted into the cabinet ahead of the Dumri by-poll after Jagarnath Mahto’s passing. Both contests were won comfortably by JMM candidates.
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Ghatshila Seen as JMM Stronghold
Ghatshila, in East Singhbhum district, has been a traditional stronghold of the JMM. In the 2024 assembly polls, Ramdas Soren defeated former CM Champai Soren’s son by a significant margin. With Somesh’s induction into the cabinet, the party hopes to consolidate its voter base and retain the seat with a strong sympathy wave.
BJP May Re-Field Champai Soren’s Son
The opposition BJP is expected to field Champai Soren’s son again, making it a repeat of the 2024 contest. Political experts believe the by-poll will be closely watched as it could set the tone for the 2026 assembly elections. The State Election Commission has already surveyed the constituency, and the official by-election notification is awaited.
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Strengthening Generational Leadership
Political analysts say Somesh Soren’s entry into the cabinet will not only prepare him for the by-poll but also reinforce JMM’s generational leadership model. The party has consistently projected family members of deceased leaders to maintain its grassroots connect. Party insiders suggest this strategy is aimed at both winning the by-election and consolidating future leadership within the party.
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