Ranchi: The historic mandate for the INDIA bloc, which won 56 seats in Jharkhand, and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s best-ever tally of 34 seats were not only the result of a rigorous campaign led by Hemant and Kalpana Soren, but also the outcome of a strategy devised by Giridih’s JMM legislator, Sudivya Kumar Sonu.
As the election results were declared on Saturday, Sudivya Sonu secured his seat for the second consecutive time, alongside Kalpana Soren, who won from the neighbouring Gandey constituency.
Sudivya Sonu’s strategy proved successful for the INDIA bloc, and particularly for the JMM, in its battle against the Narendra Modi-Amit Shah-Babulal Marandi trio.
Who is Sudivya Kumar Sonu?
The 54-year-old MLA from Giridih is a dedicated JMM worker who has remained loyal to the party for more than three decades. At a time when politicians frequently switch parties, Sonu has stayed with the JMM through some of its most difficult phases.
In 2004, when Shibu Soren resigned as Union Coal Minister and faced legal battles in the Pirtand and Chirudih cases, Sonu stood firmly by his side, helping him navigate the political and legal turmoil.
A Close Ally of Hemant Soren
Recalling his relationship with Shibu Soren, Sonu once remarked, “Baba (Shibu Soren) had requested my father to let me stay with him. He had said he would nurture me like his son and make me a leader.”
As Shibu Soren gradually stepped back from active politics, Sonu grew closer to Hemant Soren and emerged as one of his trusted strategists.
Sonu also played a crucial role in establishing a robust social media team for the JMM in 2019, a move that significantly contributed to Hemant Soren’s rise to power. Unlike many political social media teams that seek visibility and credit, the JMM team has operated discreetly, amplifying the party’s message without claiming the spotlight.
A Key Figure in Kalpana Soren’s Political Rise
When it became evident that Hemant Soren might have to step down as chief minister and that Kalpana Soren would take on a more significant political role, it was Sonu who recommended the Gandey constituency, a non-reserved stronghold, for her.
His strategy paid off. Kalpana Soren successfully contested and won the bypoll. Five months later, she retained the seat in the general election.
The emergence of Kalpana Soren as the INDIA bloc’s [star campaigner] remains one of the most significant political developments in Jharkhand in 2024. The NDA has no match for Kalpana’s [charismatic personality].
Influencing INDIA Bloc’s Ticket Distribution
Sudivya Sonu also played a pivotal role in the INDIA bloc’s ticket-distribution discussions between the JMM and Congress. He ensured that the JMM secured strategic constituencies while also helping bring leaders from other parties into its fold.
His efforts significantly strengthened the JMM’s position, with the party attracting several leaders from the BJP, including around a dozen sitting and former MLAs.
The JMM’s decision to field a candidate in Dhanwar did cause friction within the INDIA bloc. Sonu, however, defended the move, explaining, “Not only was Nizamuddin Ansari adamant about contesting, but it was also necessary for our political equation. The JMM leadership also believed that minority candidates deserved more representation.”
This strategic acumen helped the JMM achieve a historic tally of 34 seats—the highest in its history—while leaving a significant dent in the BJP’s fortunes in Jharkhand.
