The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)’s decision to withdraw from contesting the Bihar Assembly elections has stirred political discussion across eastern India, with a senior Jharkhand minister warning that the move could have far-reaching implications for Jharkhand’s internal political landscape. The development was formally confirmed on October 22, 2025, following internal consultations between party leaders in Ranchi and Dumka, where JMM decided to focus its organizational and electoral resources solely on Jharkhand’s 2026 Assembly elections. The minister, while not naming any individuals, hinted that the decision had sparked dissent among cadres who viewed Bihar’s border constituencies — especially Jamui, Banka, and Kishanganj — as strategically important for expanding JMM’s influence beyond state boundaries. Historically, JMM has maintained a presence in Bihar’s tribal and minority-dominated regions since the days of Shibu Soren’s leadership, aligning occasionally with regional parties such as RJD and Congress during coalition experiments. However, this time the party leadership, under Hemant Soren, decided that contesting in Bihar could stretch resources and distract from the mounting political challenges within Jharkhand — including managing coalition tensions with the Congress and addressing corruption allegations within the ruling alliance. The minister’s remarks also reflected unease within JMM ranks about losing visibility in Bihar’s Santhal and Angika belts, where the party has traditionally sought to protect tribal land and employment rights. Party insiders say the decision marks a retreat from JMM’s earlier vision of regional expansion across the Jharkhand–Bihar border. #JharkhandPolitics #JMM #HemantSoren #ShibuSoren #BiharElections2025 #RegionalPolitics #Ranchi #Dumka
