Chanakya of Jharkhand Politics: The Untold Story of Sudivya Kumar Sonu’s Strategic Brilliance
From Shibu Soren’s Protégé to Jharkhand’s Chanakya: Sudivya Sonu’s Winning Strategy | Sonu’s unwavering loyalty to JMM and strategic acumen helped secure a historic 34-seat win for the party, defeating the BJP’s formidable trio of Modi, Shah, and Marandi. From empowering Kalpana Soren’s rise to orchestrating defections that weakened the saffron camp, Sonu’s moves strengthened the INDIA bloc’s footing. His deft ticket distribution and discreet social media strategy solidified JMM’s dominance in Jharkhand politics
Ranchi: The historic mandate of INDIA bloc getting 56 seats and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s best tally of 34 in Jharkhand is not only the result of a rigorous campaign by Hemant and Kalpana Soren but also the outcome of the 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 time, alongside Kalpana Soren, who won from the neighboring Gandey constituency.
Sudivya Sonu’s strategy worked for the INDIA block and especially JMM’s win against PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and Babulal Marandi’s trio.
Who is Sudivya Kumar Sonu?
The 54-year-old MLA from Giridih is a dedicated worker of the JMM. In an era when politicians frequently change parties, Sonu has remained loyal to the JMM for over three decades. Back in 2004, when Shibu Soren resigned as Union Coal Minister and faced legal battles in the Pirtand and Chirudih cases, Sonu stood steadfastly by his side, helping him navigate through the turmoil.
A Close Ally of Hemant Soren
Speaking about 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 began to step back from active politics, Sonu grew closer to Hemant Soren, becoming 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 other social media teams that seek attention, this team operates discreetly, amplifying JMM’s message without claiming credit.
A Key Figure in Kalpana Soren’s Political Rise
When it became evident that Hemant Soren might have to resign as Chief Minister and Kalpana Soren would take on a significant political role, it was Sonu who recommended the Gandey constituency, a non-reserved stronghold, for her. His strategy paid off as Kalpana Soren successfully contested and won the bypoll. Within five months, she reclaimed the seat in the general election.
The addition of Kalpana Soren, the INDIA bloc’s star campaigner remains the most significant political development in Jharkhand politics 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 welcoming leaders from other parties. His efforts significantly bolstered the JMM’s position, with the party gaining several defectors from the BJP, including a dozen sitting and former MLAs.
Although JMM’s decision to field a candidate in the Dhanwar seat caused friction within the INDIA bloc, Sonu 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 notable dent in the BJP’s fortunes in Jharkhand.
