Sita Soren, a three-term MLA from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the daughter-in-law of its founder Shibu Soren, has made headlines by resigning from the party and joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with her daughters. This decision, made in a crucial election year, marks the culmination of 15 years of dissatisfaction within the JMM and the Soren family.
The journey of dissent began in 2009 with the untimely death of Durga Soren, the eldest son of Shibu Soren and the perceived heir to the JMM leadership. Following his demise, his wife Sita and their daughters Rajshree, Jayshree, and Vijayshree emerged as separate power centers within the party. Over the years, Sita Soren became increasingly disillusioned with the direction of the party and alleged mistreatment by both party members and the Soren family.
Her decision to resign from all party posts and the Jharkhand Assembly seat of Jama was driven by feelings of isolation and conspiracy against her and her family. Hours after her resignation, she joined the BJP in New Delhi, citing her "inner voice" as the reason behind the move.
Sita Soren's dissatisfaction with the JMM leadership, particularly Hemant Soren, grew over time, leading to veiled opposition and public criticisms. Her daughters also joined her in expressing dissent, forming the 'Durga Soren Sena' to address issues of corruption and displacement in Jharkhand. Despite facing expulsion from the party for their activities, they continued to assert their stance.
Sita Soren's decision to join the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections adds another layer to the political landscape of Jharkhand. Her move reflects a broader trend of defections across party lines and underscores the BJP's efforts to strengthen its presence in the state. However, it's essential to note that Sita Soren awaits judgment in a bribery case, which could impact her political future.
Overall, Sita Soren's journey from dissatisfaction within the JMM to joining the BJP highlights the complexities of regional politics and the dynamics within political families.
