JMM Announces Support For Droupadi Murmu, Calls It A Proud Moment for Tribals

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha today announced its support for NDA’s candidate, Droupadi Murmu in the upcoming presidential poll on July 18^th.

There were already strong indications of JMM extending its support to Murmu since the day her name was finalised. Belonging to the Santhal tribe, Murmu would be the first Indian President coming from the tribal community. Apart from her tribal connection, she also served as Jharkhand’s Governor from 2015 to 2021. In such a scenario, it was expected of JMM to put their weight behind her.

In the letter announcing JMM’s support for Murmu, the party calls her candidature a proud moment for the tribals since India’s independence.

Hemant Soren, CM of Jharkhand, is also from the Santhal tribe. Santhals are third largest tribe after Bhil and Gond and are spread across Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh among other states.

It is said that both Soren and his father, Shibu Soren share cordial relationship with Murmu.

Currently, JMM has three MPs and 31 MLAs in Jharkhand’s state legislature. It has formed the government in alliance with Congress. The JMM’s stance on the presidential polls differs from Congress which is actively opposing her in the polls. Recently, Congress spokesperson, Ajoy Kumar came under fire for his controversial remarks on Murmu. He was quoted saying that Murmu “represents an evil philosophy” and she should not be seen as a “symbol of Adivasis”.

BJP’s presidential volley, by putting Murmu’s name in the fray, has put a strain on opposition “unity”. With JMM clearing its stand, it is expected that other opposition parties such as TMC, who till now, have not come out openly in Murmu’s support, but are aware of tribal sentiments, might also clarify their stance in the coming days.