Discussions are underway regarding cabinet berths in the newly formed Jharkhand government as the Congress party prepares to engage with its alliance partner, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir stated that talks between the two parties will commence within the next few days. "In two to three days, the cabinet berths of the Jharkhand government will be announced… We (Congress) will hold discussions with JMM and decide on the cabinet berths," Mir told ANI.
Mir’s statement comes after the recent swearing-in ceremony for Hemant Soren as Chief Minister for a second consecutive term. The formation of the new cabinet has been a topic of much anticipation, with both parties seeking to ensure equitable representation within the government.
Manoj Pandey, a JMM leader, expressed that Chief Minister Soren is actively working towards forming a balanced cabinet. "Our CM is trying to form a balanced cabinet in Jharkhand as soon as possible, keeping in mind that our alliance partners gain confidence, they are also involved in the decision-making," Pandey told ANI.
Pandey emphasized the importance of inclusivity within the cabinet, stating that Soren aims to incorporate experience, women empowerment, and youthful enthusiasm. "The formula is how we give representation to every class and form a cabinet which will include women empowerment, experience and youthful enthusiasm," he explained.
The JMM secured victory in the recent Jharkhand Assembly elections, leading the INDIA bloc with 56 seats out of a total of 81. The party itself won 34 seats, while its allies – the Congress (16 seats), RJD (4 seats), and CPI-ML (2 seats) – contributed to their success.
The BJP-led NDA secured only 24 seats in comparison, with the BJP winning 21 seats and its allies - AJSU party (1 seat), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (1 seat), and JD-U (1 seat) – securing the remaining seats. The Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha also won a seat.
As negotiations between the Congress and JMM continue, all eyes are on the upcoming announcement of cabinet berths, which will shape the political landscape in Jharkhand for the coming years.