Political speculation has intensified in Jharkhand over the possibility of Chief Minister Hemant Soren considering a change in alliance amid reports of behind-the-scenes negotiations in Delhi. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which leads the ruling coalition in the state, has so far maintained complete silence, adding fuel to the rumours.
Silence From JMM Leadership Raises Questions
According to political observers, Hemant Soren’s sudden low-profile presence in Delhi and his lack of public statements over the past few days have triggered speculation that he may be exploring options beyond the current alliance with the Congress and the RJD. Reports in the Hindi media claimed that Soren or senior JMM leaders may have held indirect discussions with BJP leaders in recent days, though no confirmation has come from the party.
The situation gained further attention after the Jharkhand Governor, Santosh Gangwar, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, a development widely interpreted as significant given the political churn around the state.
Congress Firmly Denies Any Possibility of a Split
While speculation surrounds the JMM, the Congress — which holds 16 seats in the 81-member assembly — has strongly denied that the ruling alliance is under threat. Senior Congress leaders have maintained that the INDIA bloc in Jharkhand is “completely stable” and rejected claims that the JMM may be considering a switch.
Party sources insisted that Hemant Soren has given no indication of dissatisfaction with the alliance and described the reports of a potential realignment as “fabricated”.
Numbers Make JMM the Key Player
In the present assembly, JMM holds 34 seats and remains the dominant force in the coalition government. The Congress and smaller allies add up to a narrow majority. Because JMM alone sits near the halfway mark, any move by the party — either towards or away from the alliance — would immediately change the political equation in the state.
This central role of JMM is the main reason the ongoing silence from its leadership has set off intense political chatter.
No Official Statement Yet
As of now, neither Hemant Soren nor the JMM has issued any formal comment refuting or confirming the speculation. Until the party makes its stance clear, political circles in Ranchi and Delhi continue to anticipate major developments.