Historic Mandate, Historic Responsibility: Can Hemant Soren Deliver Justice, Jobs, and Rights for Jharkhand’s Muslims?
Jharkhand's Muslims voted overwhelmingly for the INDIA bloc, breaking the patterns to re-elect Hemant Soren's government. After the mandate, key demands such as the anti-mob lynching law, compensation for mob violence victims, and minority-focused reforms are again on centre. Activists urge swift action on education, health, and justice to honour promises and regain trust
Ranchi: It is now an open secret that the Muslims of Jharkhand have voted en masse for the INDIA bloc and played a crucial role in securing a historic majority to install Hemant Soren and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government for a second consecutive term in the state.
No government in Jharkhand’s history has ever been re-elected, but this became possible due to the overwhelming support of Muslims and tribals in the state. However, during the 2019–2024 term, the major demands of both communities remained unfulfilled. As a result, there was growing resentment among members of these communities, particularly Muslims, ahead of the elections.
During the elections, Muslims remained a target of the BJP and its allies. They were labeled as infiltrators (ghuspetiyas), and if the NDA comes to power, it plans to implement the NRC (National Register of Citizens) in Jharkhand. Hate speeches and fear-mongering against Muslims were delivered by figures ranging from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government led by Raghubar Das (2014–2019), Jharkhand witnessed several mob lynching incidents. When the Hemant Soren government came to power, it passed the anti-mob lynching bill in the assembly in 2021. However, the Governor returned the bill.
“The anti-mob lynching bill should be sent back to the Governor after addressing the objections. The government must ensure that the bill gets passed and is not stalled again. Additionally, the government should compensate all mob lynching victim families,” said Tanveer Ahmad, a social activist based in Ranchi, in his remarks to eNewsroom.
Ahmad further stated that the newly formed INDIA bloc government must act swiftly on other pending issues. “The Ranchi firing case of June 10, 2024, must be addressed. The affected family should receive compensation, the FIR filed against 10,000 unidentified individuals should be dismissed, and the cases against the named accused should be handled as the Hemant Soren government did in the Pathalgadi case. The matter should be investigated by the CID,” he suggested.
Ahmad emphasized that the government needs to focus more on minorities, especially Muslims, as little progress was made in the past five years. “An Urdu Academy and Madarsa Board should be established in the state. The government should also utilize the Haj House as a training center to prepare minority students for government exams like UPSC and JPSC.”
He further highlighted the need for improved health and education infrastructure in minority-dominated areas. “There should be a Chief Minister’s School of Excellence and new primary health centers in Muslim-majority regions,” he added.
Ahmad also addressed concerns over the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024. “If the Center passes the Waqf Amendment Bill, the Jharkhand assembly should pass a resolution against its implementation in the state.”
Shamim Ali, president of the AMYA organization, called for the immediate recruitment of 3,712 Urdu teachers, a process that has been delayed for years. He also demanded the reversal of the order canceling Friday holidays in Urdu schools. “The budget for minorities in Jharkhand should be increased as well,” said Ali.
Ali and Ahmad also requested Member of Parliament and Congress leader Pappu Yadav, who was in Ranchi for Hemant Soren’s oath-taking ceremony, to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 in Parliament.
