NEW DELHI: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc has achieved a resounding victory in the Jharkhand assembly elections, securing 56 out of 81 seats. This marks the first absolute majority for JMM since the state's formation in 2000. The success of JMM is attributed to its pro-tribal identity and welfare schemes, which resonated deeply with the electorate.

Hemant Soren, the chief of JMM, is set to begin his second consecutive term as Chief Minister, as he reaffirmed his stronghold on Jharkhand's tribal electorate, securing his Barhait seat with a comfortable margin of 39,791 votes. Kalpana Soren, Hemant Soren's wife, played a crucial role during his absence, steering the party and winning her Gandey seat by 17,142 votes.

The JMM-led coalition of the INDIA bloc which includes Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and CPI-ML, achieved a decisive victory, winning 56 seats. The BJP-led NDA managed only 24 seats despite a high-energy campaign.

The JMM's flagship Maiyya Samman Yojana, which provides Rs 1000 per month to women in the 18-50 age group, played a significant role in the party's success. The scheme saw 91 lakh of the total 1.15 crore women electorate cast their vote, resulting in a higher turnout among women compared to men.

Hemant Soren expressed his gratitude to the voters, calling the victory a "celebration of democracy". The JMM's victory is seen as a significant boost for the INDIA bloc, which managed to effectively counter the BJP's campaign focused on infiltration issues.

Soren will soon meet Jharkhand governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and stake claim to form the government, after leaders of the INDIA bloc in the state unanimously elected him as the legislature party leader and is likely to be officiated as the acting chief minister till oath is administered to him on November 28 as planned by the party.