Hemant Soren: Battling BJP in Barhait Amid Political Turmoil

Chief Minister Hemant Soren of JMM contests from Barhait in a high-stakes battle against BJP's Galiyel Hembrom. Despite legal challenges and anti-incumbency pressures, Soren’s tribal-focused policies and legacy make Barhait a crucial constituency in Jharkhand’s political landscape.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and Chief Minister Hemant Soren is contesting from the Barhait (ST) constituency in the 2024 state assembly elections against BJP’s Galiyel Hembrom. Soren has been a prominent figure in Barhait politics since 2014, securing consecutive victories from the seat, and is a key political force in the region.

The election follows a turbulent period for Soren, who stepped down as Chief Minister earlier this year amid allegations of a land scam. After being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January and released on bail in June, he reclaimed the Chief Minister's post. This election marks his attempt to solidify his leadership amidst challenges posed by the BJP and the ongoing scrutiny of his administration.

Soren’s opponent, Galiyel Hembrom, previously contested the 2019 election on an AJSU-P ticket, securing only 2,573 votes compared to Soren’s 73,725. Hembrom has since joined the BJP, which is looking to make significant inroads in Barhait, a constituency reserved for Scheduled Tribes and part of the Rajmahal Parliamentary seat.

Hemant Soren’s political journey has been marked by his representation of the Dumka constituency in 2009 before shifting focus to Barhait in 2014. He has served as Jharkhand’s Deputy Chief Minister (2010–2013), Leader of the Opposition (2014–2019), and Rajya Sabha member (2009–2010). He took over as Chief Minister in 2019, forming a coalition government with Congress and the RJD.

Barhait remains a stronghold for Soren, with its tribal population aligning closely with JMM's pro-indigenous policies. The BJP hopes to capitalize on Soren’s legal troubles and anti-incumbency sentiment to challenge his dominance in this election.

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Located in Sahebganj district, Barhait is part of the Rajmahal Parliamentary seat and is reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST). It covers several police stations and panchayats across Sahebganj and Godda districts. A traditional JMM bastion, the constituency’s significant tribal population has long supported Soren’s leadership.