Kamal Ghorui
Ranchi: After being ignored in the seat-sharing deal during Bihar assembly elections, the JMM is now eyeing new allies for the Assam poll, due later this year. Party office-bearers, however, said that final modalities will be known only as the election near.Addressing a rally at Mijikajan Tea Estate in Assam on Tuesday, Jharkhand chief minister and JMM president Hemant Soren had announced an alliance with Jai Bharat Party (JBP) appealing to people, mainly tribals working there, to consolidate for a regime change.He said, “Tribals in Assam form significant force in the tea industry. Many from Jharkhand too are living in Assam since ages but are battling myriad woes due to govt’s apathy towards them. It is high time for all of us to come together to fight for our rights and dignity.”JMM-led INDIA bloc stormed to power in Jharkhand for the second term in 2024 by a handsome majority. The party since then is eyeing to expand its reach in other eastern states. While it failed to contest in Bihar polls after getting cold shoulder from its allies — Congress and RJD — during the seat-sharing deal, it is now treading cautiously ahead of Bengal and Assam polls. “We will certainly fight in Bengal and Assam polls and tie-ups, seats, etc, will be announced at an appropriate time. CM’s recent tours to Assam are to assess the political situation and forge links with like-minded entities. Many migrants from Jharkhand live in Assam, who form a considerable chunk in a handful of seats. Our focus will be to capitalise on that,” said a party spokesperson on the condition of anonymity.A senior party official said the party will fight in Assam and Bengal polls and announce its tie-ups and seats at an appropriate time
