Feature: With the 2024 elections on the horizon, the political landscape in Jharkhand is poised for upheaval, fueled by the looming specter of investigations by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED). This trend is not unfamiliar, as similar scenarios have unfolded in the past, leading to the collapse of governments in the run-up to elections.
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is currently at the center of attention, grappling with the anticipation of ED scrutiny. The fear of ED actions is particularly pronounced in regions not governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The pattern of governments facing upheaval ahead of elections has become a familiar one.
One of the primary reasons behind this apprehension is the ED’s track record of arresting leaders in cases related to liquor corruption and money laundering. Instances include the arrests of Delhi AAP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, along with Saitendra Jain, in a liquor corruption case. In Maharashtra, the ED arrested NCP leader and former home minister Anil Deshmukh, as well as Nawab Malik, in a money laundering case. These arrests, coupled with the recent inclusion of former Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren in the ED’s investigative series, have heightened concerns within the political circles.
There are speculations that leaders ensnared by the ED may face imprisonment for extended periods, with Hemant Soren potentially spending around 6 months to over a year behind bars. Crucially, this time frame aligns with two crucial elections in Jharkhand – the Lok Sabha elections slated for April and the Assembly elections expected towards the end of November or the first week of December.
The situation raises the prospect of Hemant Soren, the head of the house and JMM chief, being incarcerated during the elections. Simultaneously, internal strife within the party adds another layer of complexity, with a power struggle emerging among contenders for the post of chief minister – Basant, Sita, and Kalpana. This internal strife increases the likelihood of a fracture within the JMM.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appears to have a comprehensive plan in place to capitalize on this tumultuous situation. There are discussions within political circles regarding BJP’s strategies to form a government before the scheduled assembly elections, taking advantage of the potential disarray within the JMM. The political landscape in Jharkhand remains fluid, with ED investigations serving as a catalyst for significant shifts in the state’s political dynamics.
