Hemant Soren’s masterstroke, ‘Vaidyanath Ram’ will go to Rajya Sabha in place of Shibu Soren, understand the complete political mathematics behind this shocking decision of JMM.

The fierce tussle going on in the political corridors of Jharkhand for the last several days between Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress over Rajya Sabha seats has finally ended completely. Both the allies have taken a historic decision with mutual consent to contest one seat each in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Under this agreement, JMM has declared former minister Vaidyanath Ram, who comes from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, as its official candidate on the prestigious seat vacant after the death of Jharkhand’s senior leader and veteran politician Shibu Soren (Guruji). On the other hand, following the principle of coalition, Congress has fielded Pranab Jha on its seat. This unexpected decision of JMM has created a new equation in the politics of the state, which is being considered as a very mature and far-reaching masterstroke of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.

After all, who is Vaidyanath Ram, to whom JMM is giving such a big honour?

Vaidyanath Ram, who is going to Rajya Sabha on Jharkhand Mukti Morcha ticket, is not a new face in the politics of the state, rather he is counted among the grassroots and very experienced politicians of Jharkhand. Vaidyanath Ram is currently holding the important responsibility of Central Vice President of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. He has been elected MLA from Latehar assembly seat thrice and has proved his administrative ability as a minister of many important departments in the Jharkhand government. By deciding to send Vaidyanath Ram, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste (Dalit class), to the Upper House of the country, JMM has successfully tried to give a new and very strong social message within the state.

History for the first time in Palamu division, Hemant Soren hit many targets with one arrow.

By making Vaidyanath Ram the candidate, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has not only made his party’s intentions clear but has also added a new chapter in the history of Jharkhand politics. This is the first time after the formation of the state that a Dalit leader coming from Palamu division is going to get representation in the Rajya Sabha. By handing over the seat vacated after the departure of party founder late Shibu Soren to a Dalit class leader instead of a tribal face, Hemant Soren has given a new and very strong edge to the tribal-dalit (A-D) alliance of the state. Political analysts believe that with this step, JMM can get huge and one-sided advantage of Dalit vote bank in the upcoming elections.

"Vaidyanath Ram will become the strong voice of the deprived and Jharkhand in the House.": CM Hemant Soren

After this important announcement, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in his response, said that in order to further strengthen the echo of the historical struggles of the brave people of Jharkhand, their public aspirations and social justice in the country’s largest house, the Grand Alliance has decided to send former minister Baidyanath Ram to the Rajya Sabha as a JMM candidate. The Chief Minister further said that Baidyanath Ram’s unwavering commitment towards social causes and his long grassroots struggle for the rights of the deprived, exploited, poor and backward sections of the society makes him the most suitable and worthy candidate for this dignified responsibility. We are confident that he will most effectively advocate the interests and rights of Jharkhand within the Rajya Sabha.

JMM took steps for alliance, gave a befitting reply to its opponents

During the last 48 hours before Vaidyanath Ram’s name was approved, the demand within JMM to field its candidates on both the seats had become very strong. Many MLAs including senior party leaders and ministers Yogendra Prasad, Hafeezul Hasan had clearly said that JMM is the largest party in the state with 34 MLAs, hence JMM has the first and natural right on both the Rajya Sabha seats. But on Saturday, JMM working president Hemant Soren showed his deep political maturity by announcing the name of only one candidate. He preferred an alliance with the Congress while placating his own party leaders, defying claims by opposition parties that were predicting a rift in the alliance.