Jharkhand’s political landscape experiences a significant shake-up as prominent BJP leaders extend an unexpected olive branch to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) during the ongoing rituals for party patriarch Shibu Soren, who passed away on August 4, 2025. This crucial outreach, witnessed at the Soren family’s gathering in Nemra, Ramgarh district, immediately signals a dramatic potential shift in alliances within the state, where the JMM-led coalition recently secured a victory in the 2024 assembly elections. Coming at a time of heightened political activity and recent accusations of “dynasty politics” between the two parties, the BJP’s direct engagement with the JMM leadership at such a personal event sparks intense speculation about a new era of cooperation and the reshaping of future electoral strategies, fundamentally altering the existing power dynamics in Jharkhand.
Leaders Pay Respect to Shibu Soren at Memorial Ceremony
The political landscape in Jharkhand is seeing notable developments following the passing of former Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder, Shibu Soren. Soren, affectionately known as ‘Dishom Guru’ or ‘Guruji,’ died on August 4, 2025, at the age of 81 after a period of illness, having been on ventilator support at a Delhi hospital due to kidney issues. His demise marked the end of an crucial political era in the state. A significant gathering took place on August 16, 2025, at Soren’s ancestral village, Nemra, in the Ramgarh district, for his ‘Shraddh’ ceremony. This traditional memorial event saw the attendance of numerous high-ranking political figures from various parties, including prominent leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The presence of these leaders, especially from the BJP, at a key event for the JMM patriarch has drawn attention and hints at shifting political calculations in Jharkhand.
High-Profile Attendance from Key Parties
The ‘Shraddh’ ceremony for Shibu Soren was attended by a wide range of political figures, reflecting his long-standing influence and respect across the political spectrum. Among the most notable attendees from the BJP were Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, former Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey. Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar also paid his respects. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered strong words of praise for the departed leader, comparing Shibu Soren to tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Singh stated that Soren had dedicated his life to the betterment of poor people. He further emphasized that he was there to pay tributes on behalf of the central government and his party, the BJP. This gesture of high-level attendance and public appreciation from the BJP, a traditional rival of the JMM, was a key point of interest at the ceremony. Other political figures who attended included Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, a leader from the Congress party, who offered floral tributes and spent time with Hemant Soren and the family. The large turnout of leaders from different political backgrounds highlighted the widespread respect Shibu Soren commanded in Indian public life. Over two lakh people from across the country also participated in a community feast held as part of the ceremony. On August 17, 2025, Hemant Soren, along with his family, performed the ‘Asthi Visarjan’ (immersion of ashes) at the meeting point of the Damodar and Bhairavi rivers near the Chhinnamastika temple in Rajrappa, following family customs.
Understanding Shibu Soren’s Role in Jharkhand
Shibu Soren was a towering figure in Jharkhand politics and was instrumental in the movement for a separate state. He was a co-founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and served multiple terms as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. His political journey, from grassroots struggles to high office, is considered a significant part of the state’s history. Soren was widely regarded as a voice for tribal rights and a committed fighter for the common people, often referred to as ‘Guruji’ or ‘Dishom Guru,’ meaning “leader of the land.” His focus on tribal welfare and advocacy for their rights earned him deep respect among the tribal communities.
Jharkhand’s Recent Political Landscape
The outreach by BJP leaders at Shibu Soren’s memorial comes at a time of significant political shifts in Jharkhand. The state recently concluded its Assembly elections in November 2024. The results showed a decisive victory for the JMM-led alliance, which also includes the Indian National Congress (INC) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), among others. This coalition secured 56 seats out of 81, a strong majority. In contrast, the BJP-led coalition managed to win only 24 seats. The JMM’s success in these elections was attributed to several factors. These included a strong consolidation of votes from Scheduled Tribe communities, which form a significant part of the state’s population. The alliance also managed to extend its reach among non-Scheduled Tribe voters and benefited from welfare schemes that gained popularity, particularly among rural women. A notable factor was also a sympathy wave that worked in favor of Chief Minister Hemant Soren following his arrest earlier in the year on corruption charges. Many voters reportedly felt his arrest was unjust, which resonated deeply, especially in tribal areas.
Tracing the Political History of BJP and JMM
The relationship between the BJP and JMM in Jharkhand has been complex, marked by periods of both rivalry and, at times, cooperation. The BJP played a key role in the formation of Jharkhand as a separate state in 2000. its affiliate in the state, BJP Jharkhand, formed the first government. Historically, both parties have competed for political dominance in the state, particularly over the support of tribal communities. The BJP has consistently tried to expand its influence in tribal areas, often portraying itself as a protector of tribal faith while also aiming to integrate non-Christian tribals into a broader Hindu identity. But, the JMM has traditionally held strong sway among the tribal population, advocating for their rights and distinct identity. Over the years, there have been instances where the JMM-led alliances have challenged and overcome BJP’s presence in the state elections. For example, in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, the JMM-led alliance significantly reduced BJP’s dominance in the state, winning a large number of seats. While the JMM has seen periods of decline in its electoral performance at the national level, its regional stronghold, especially among tribal voters, has often remained strong. The recent Assembly elections further confirmed JMM’s dominance in tribal-reserved constituencies, winning 27 out of 28.
Potential Meanings Behind BJP’s Outreach
The BJP’s visible presence and respectful gestures at Shibu Soren’s memorial rituals are seen by observers as a calculated move with several potential underlying reasons. Given the BJP’s recent electoral setback in the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections, where they secured fewer seats than the JMM-led alliance, extending an olive branch or showing respect to a revered figure like Shibu Soren could be a way to soften political tensions. This outreach might also be an attempt by the BJP to bridge gaps with the tribal community, especially after the JMM’s successful campaign that focused on tribal identity and pride, countering some of the BJP’s earlier efforts to divide tribal votes. By honoring Shibu Soren, a widely respected tribal leader, the BJP could be looking to improve its image and build goodwill among a voter base that has largely sided with the JMM in recent elections. Such gestures can be part of a long-term strategy to gain a foothold in areas where the party has faced challenges. The attendance of senior national leaders also underscores the political importance of Jharkhand and its tribal voters in the larger national context.
Looking Ahead: Implications for State Politics
The outreach by the BJP at Shibu Soren’s ‘Shraddh’ ceremony could signal a shift in the way political parties interact in Jharkhand. While the JMM-led coalition currently holds power with a strong mandate, such gestures of respect across party lines, particularly at a time of mourning for a foundational leader, can sometimes pave the way for future political realignments or a more cooperative political environment. It remains to be seen if these gestures translate into tangible changes in political equations or if they are simply acts of respectful diplomacy. But, in a state like Jharkhand, where political allegiances often run deep within communities and are tied to historical struggles and figures like Shibu Soren, such events hold significant symbolic weight. The coming months will likely reveal whether this outreach marks a new chapter in the political dynamics between the BJP and JMM or if it was simply a demonstration of traditional respect for a departed leader. 
