Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: As the Jharkhand Assembly election announcement is expected soon after Dussehra, the JMM-led government, under Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is ramping up efforts to strengthen its connection with the public through various schemes. Even the Left parties, part of the ruling alliance, are working hard to prepare for the elections by organizing campaigns in their areas of influence. However, the Congress, a key ally, seems disengaged, with no major signs of an active election campaign. This lack of preparation is sparking concerns that the Congress may be putting the alliance’s prospects at risk.
Congress Leaders Focus More on Ticket Aspirations Than Campaign Groundwork
Many Congress leaders appear to be more focused on securing tickets than on actual campaign preparations. Several aspirants have emerged, presenting their candidacies with bulky files and claims of being the best choice. However, many of these leaders are not even known within their own party circles. Senior Congress figures who have become inactive due to the internal dynamics of the party have shown minimal involvement in ground-level activities, attending events only occasionally.
Fieldwork Lacking Despite Claims of Popularity
Ticket aspirants frequently claim they have done significant groundwork and enjoy widespread public recognition. However, on the ground, there appears to be little preparation. Most leaders are waiting for discussions around seat-sharing in the alliance to conclude before fully diving into campaigning.
Congress Struggles to Take Credit for Government’s Work
While the JMM is taking full advantage of the state’s development schemes, the Congress has failed to claim credit for the government’s achievements or present itself as a key part of the ruling coalition. This contrasts sharply with the BJP’s active targeting of both JMM and Congress, with the opposition accusing Congress of dragging JMM down.
Internal Disputes Weaken Congress’s Campaign
Congress continues to be plagued by internal disputes, with leaders more focused on personal ambitions than the larger election strategy. This lack of unity is weakening their ability to counter the BJP’s narrative and capitalize on the achievements of the coalition government.
Struggle for Visibility in the Political Arena
Congress’s spokespersons often find themselves unprepared to defend the party or counter opposition allegations. In contrast, the BJP’s media cell is quick to respond and launch counter-narratives, leaving Congress scrambling for a response.
Ticket Race Sees Leaders Flock to Kashmir
In a bizarre turn, nearly two dozen Jharkhand Congress leaders were seen campaigning for state Congress in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir during the Kashmir elections, seeking to curry favor for ticket allocations. While Mir’s victory bolstered their claims, their absence from Jharkhand’s political scene raised concerns about their commitment to the state’s elections.
Controversial Appointments Raise Eyebrows
Recently, Congress appointed two chief spokespersons, one of whom had previously been suspended for insubordination. These appointments have added to the confusion within the party ranks as the newly reinstated leaders are now tasked with leading the party’s public relations efforts despite having been sidelined earlier.
