Former JMM Leader Sita Murmu Soren Finds Spot in BJP's First List (Image:Instagram/sitasoren)

Sita Soren who is a seasoned politician and daughter-in-law of JMM founder Shibu Soren, is all set to contest the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections 2024 from the Jamtara seat on a BJP ticket as the party released her name in the first list on Tuesday.

She was born into a family deeply rooted in politics and she began her journey in 2009 when she was elected as the MLA from Jama in the Dumka district of Jharkhand. She earned the position of National General Secretary of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). She went on to win the Jharkhand Legislative Elections from Jama for two more terms in 2014 and 2019.

However, Sita Soren’s political career has not been without its challenges. She was accused of receiving money in the 2012 Rajya Sabha elections and spent seven months in jail over corruption charges. In March 2024, Soren resigned from the JMM citing neglect and isolation within the party. Being the sister-in-law of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, she has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with the Jharkhand government.

Also, read| Congress Releases First Jharkhand List

As a three-time MLA and widow of Hemant’s late brother Durga Soren, she’s spoken out against the government’s failure to address the rampant “loot of land” in the state. Jharkhand is rich in minerals, but Sita Soren claims that the government has been ineffective in stopping land grabbing and corruption. Her criticism comes at this significant time when Jharkhand prepares for Assembly elections.

She joined the BJP in the presence of national general secretary Vinod Tawde and Jharkhand poll in-charge Laxmikant Bajpai to begin a new chapter in her political journey. Sita Soren has criticised the current government several times alleging that they have done corruption and crime at large. She claims that the BJP government will prioritise the welfare of women and youth through schemes like the Maiya Samman Yojana to benefit the people not just until December. She said that she joined forces with the BJP pledging to form the next state government with a focus on battling corruption and crime.

Sita Soren will be competing against Congress’ Irfan Ansari for the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly Elections from the Jamtara constituency. The election is scheduled for November 13 and 20, which will see Ansari facing off against Sita Soren in Jharkhand. Irfan Ansari who is a seasoned politician and member of Congress was born in Jamtara as his entry into politics was paved by his father, Furqan Ansari who is a former Member of Legislative Assembly from Jamtara constituency. Irfan Ansari himself has been a two-time MLA from Jamtara winning elections in 2014 and 2019.

Also, read| Jharkhand Assembly Election 2024: Congress’ Irfan Ansari To Contest From Jamtara