Rift in opposition before Assam elections! Congress’s plan spoiled due to JMM contesting elections alone, will BJP get benefit?

The election atmosphere in the country has once again become heated. Assembly elections are near in five states and all the political parties are busy finalizing their strategy. Meanwhile, a decision of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has intensified the political stir. The party has announced to contest the elections alone in Assam, due to which questions have been raised on opposition unity.

JMM, which contested elections along with Congress in Jharkhand, has chosen a different path in Assam this time. The party has released the list of 21 candidates for the elections to be held on April 9. This step is also considered important because the opposition parties were trying to unite against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Efforts for alliance failed

This decision of JMM has increased the concern of Congress. The party fears that contesting separate elections may divide the opposition’s votes, especially the votes of the tribal community. Congress believes that BJP can directly benefit from this, which is already in a strong position in Assam.

From the very beginning, Congress wanted to contest the elections along with JMM. He had also offered seats for this. According to sources, Congress had offered about 57 seats to JMM, but no consensus could be reached between the two parties. Ultimately JMM decided to contest the elections independently.

What is JMM’s strategy?

According to political experts, JMM now wants to strengthen its hold outside Jharkhand also. In Assam, the party is especially trying to establish its identity among the tribals and tea garden workers. Under this strategy, it has fielded its candidates on many seats.

Reaction of Congress leaders

Congress leaders have expressed disappointment over this decision. He says that if opposition unity had been strong, BJP could have been given a tough challenge. Party leaders also said that they tried their best for the alliance, but JMM chose a different path.

On which seats is JMM contesting?

JMM has fielded candidates on many important seats in Assam. These include seats like Majbat, Vishwanath, Khumtai, Chabua, Gosaigaon, Rangpara, Margherita, Naharkatiya and Titabor. There is a sizeable population of tribal and labor class in these areas, which JMM is trying to bring in its favor.

This decision can change the electoral equations of Assam. While on one hand JMM is trying to expand, on the other hand Congress is afraid of a dent in its vote bank. If opposition votes are divided, the ruling party may benefit from it.