JMM questions Cong silence, reminds RJD of ‘past favours’ as alliance crumbles

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has stepped up its attack on allies within the INDIA bloc, questioning the Congress’ silence and accusing the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) of betrayal ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

The escalation comes after the JMM formally announced it will neither contest nor campaign in the Bihar polls.

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Addressing the press in Giridih, senior JMM leader and Jharkhand minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu said the party had been left deeply hurt by the conduct of its allies. He hinted that the JMM could review its future course within the alliance if the interests of Jharkhand and its people continued to be ignored.

“If political circumstances go against the interests of Jharkhand and its people, the party will take its own decision,” Sonu said, adding that “nothing is impossible in politics”.

Sonu reminded the RJD of JMM’s consistent support over the years, citing examples from previous elections. He said that in 2015 and 2019, the JMM stood by the RJD as an ally and even ensured ministerial representation for its lone MLA, Satyanand Bhokta, in the Hemant Soren government.

“We followed coalition dharma with full sincerity. In 2024 too, we included Congress, RJD, and Left parties in the alliance. Despite this, what we received in return was disregard and betrayal,” Sonu said.

The minister accused RJD and Congress of denying the JMM its promised three seats in the 2020 Bihar Assembly election, and again sidelining it in 2025.

“The repeated betrayal is painful,” he said, warning that “Jharkhandis do not forget deceit.” Sonu added that the JMM will review the conduct of its partners within the Mahagathbandhan and discuss the issue at the party level before deciding on the future course.

“When we are not active in Bihar’s political process, the voters we represent are also watching this betrayal. The public will give its answer,” he said.

The RJD reacted strongly to Sonu’s remarks. Party spokesperson Kailash Yadav said the comments were unfortunate and unbecoming of a minister. “Instead of blaming others, JMM leaders should introspect. You cannot run Bihar politics sitting in Jharkhand. If you want to contest, you have to build your base there,” Yadav said. He advised the JMM minister to show restraint and maintain decorum while commenting on alliance partners.

Former BJP MLA and state spokesperson Amit Mandal also commented on the issue, calling the JMM’s exclusion from the Bihar seat-sharing arrangement an insult to Jharkhand’s identity.

“Despite RJD’s historic opposition to Jharkhand’s formation, the JMM kept aligning with them. Now, they’ve been shown their place,” Mandal said. He urged the JMM to reconsider its association with parties that undermine Jharkhand’s political dignity.

The growing rift indicates rising unease within the INDIA bloc’s state units. While the JMM continues to support the alliance at the national level, the recent developments suggest that the party could adopt a more independent stance in future electoral alignments, especially if it perceives a pattern of marginalization by its partners.