Amid JMM-BJP alliance rumours, Congress says INDIA bloc 'rock-solid' in Jharkhand

While speculations are abuzz that Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) could leave the Opposition bloc and become Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ally, the Congress on Wednesday maintained the INDIA bloc is intact in Jharkhand. Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren’s sudden visit to Delhi triggered the speculations.

Dismissing the speculations, Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal asserted the INDIA bloc is "rock-solid" in Jharkhand. "Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri @HemantSorenJMM  ji today. Let there be no doubts - our INDIA alliance in Jharkhand is rock-solid, cohesive, and fully committed to advancing people-centric welfare policies that reflect the aspirations of every citizen of Jharkhand," Venugopal said in a post on X.

Venugopal termed the rumours a sign of the BJP's political insecurity. "The malicious narrative and coordinated rumour mongering being propagated by rightwing troll networks are but signs of their growing desperation and political insecurity," he said.

"We are not affected by such cheap trolling, and they can never dilute the trust that the people have placed in us. Our unity is intact, our purpose is clear, and our alliance remains stronger than ever," Venugopal added.

According to reports, the Jharkhand chief minister, along with his wife Kalpana Soren, is in talks with the BJP leadership to join the NDA and form a fresh government in the state. Reportedly, at least eight Congress MLAs may switch sides and join the new political setup.

JMM was disgruntled in the manner in which the INDIA bloc treated the party during the Bihar assembly elections. Both Congress and JMM refused to part with seats for JMM, leading the tribal party to decide not to contest the Bihar elections.