Ghatshila Bypoll Enters Final Phase as BJP, JMM Intensify Attacks

Hemant Soren Holds Final Rally; BJP Demands Six-Year Report from Govt

Key Points:

• 48 hours before polling, parties mount last campaign push in Ghatshila
• Hemant Soren and wife Kalpana appeal votes for JMM’s Somesh Soren
• BJP’s Geeta Koda, Dineshanand Goswami launch sharp attacks on govt

GHATSHILA – With just two days left for the Ghatshila Assembly by-election, political campaigning has reached its peak. Both alliances — the Mahagathbandhan and the NDA — have gone all out, while core issues appear overshadowed by heated political exchanges.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his wife, MLA Kalpana Soren, addressed their final joint rally in support of JMM candidate Somesh Soren, urging voters to back the ruling alliance. Meanwhile, the BJP held a press conference demanding an account of the government’s six-year performance.

BJP leader and former MP Geeta Koda accused the state government of failing to ensure justice and safety for women and tribals. She claimed over 6,000 women had suffered atrocities during the current regime, with the majority being tribal women. She alleged that names included under the “Maiya Samman Yojana” were being deliberately removed.

According to her, Ghatshila’s development had stagnated. “Ministers are resorting to personal attacks instead of addressing issues,” she said, asserting that voters are ready to reject the government in this by-election.

Referring to the Chaibasa “No Entry” incident, Geeta Koda slammed the administration for alleged mistreatment of tribal women, including a pregnant woman who remains jailed. BJP’s Dineshanand Goswami also launched fierce criticism of the state government and expressed confidence in the victory of BJP candidate Babulal Soren.

Observers note that the Ghatshila bypoll has become a prestige battle for both the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan. The outcome is expected to signal voter sentiment ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections.

For background, read about BJP’s candidate selection, Odisha CM’s campaign, tribal support rallies, BJP leaders’ predictions, and the larger prestige battle shaping Jharkhand politics.