The long wait for a cabinet expansion in Jharkhand is finally coming to an end. In a recent statement, Jharkhand Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh assured that the expansion will happen soon, stating, "Everything will be done. You will witness (the cabinet expansion), and you will very soon get information on every issue."
This announcement comes amidst growing speculation about the composition of Hemant Soren's second-term cabinet. The JMM leader also clarified that there are no tensions or disagreements between the alliance partners, addressing any concerns about potential conflicts.
Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir echoed Kamlesh's sentiment, stating that discussions regarding cabinet berths will be held with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) within the next few days. He expressed confidence that an announcement on the cabinet expansion will be made in two to three days. "We (Congress) will hold discussions with JMM and decide on the cabinet berths," Mir stated.
The Congress leader also highlighted the successful alliance, pointing out that despite initial concerns about ticket and seat distribution during the elections, the INDIA bloc achieved a resounding victory in Jharkhand. The JMM secured 34 seats, while its allies - Congress (16), RJD (4), and CPI-ML (2) - contributed to their overall success, ultimately winning 56 out of the 81 seats in the state assembly.
Hemant Soren took oath as Chief Minister for a second consecutive term on November 28th. This victory solidified the JMM's position as the leading force in Jharkhand politics and set the stage for the formation of a new government reflecting the mandate received by the alliance.
The BJP-led NDA, on the other hand, secured only 24 seats, with the BJP winning 21 and its allies – AJSU party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD-U - securing one seat each. The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha also won a seat with its chief, Jairam Kumar Mahato, emerging victorious in the Dumri constituency.
As the state eagerly awaits the cabinet expansion announcement, all eyes are on the JMM and its alliance partners to see how they will shape their government for the next five years.
