With major changes, surprising coalitions, and a rollercoaster of wins and losses, 2024 turned out to be a pivotal year in Jharkhand's political history. From arrests and political comebacks to rising stars and fading legacies, Jharkhand's political arena witnessed intense drama and critical turning points.

Hemant Soren: From Crisis to Comeback

Hemant Soren, the face of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Chief Minister, experienced a tumultuous year. On January 31, 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested him over alleged corruption charges, triggering widespread protests across the state. His arrest led to a tribal bandh and significant political upheaval. However, after spending five months in judicial custody, Hemant was granted bail due to lack of concrete evidence. After his return, he resumed the Chief Minister's seat with newfound enthusiasm and was instrumental in mobilizing the INDIA Alliance to win a resounding victory in the Assembly elections.

Kalpana Soren: A Rising Political Force

In the wake of her husband's arrest, Kalpana Soren stepped into the political limelight. On March 4, 2024, she addressed a massive crowd in Giridih's Jhanda Maidan, marking her formal entry into active politics. She became the JMM's spokesperson for tenacity with her incisive remarks and resolute campaign tactics. Her status as a rising political figure in Jharkhand was solidified when she won the Gandey Assembly by-election.

Jairam Mahato: The Regional Challenger

Jairam Mahato emerged as a key regional leader in 2024. While his party secured only one Assembly seat, his impact extended far beyond numbers. His focused campaigns and fiery rhetoric disrupted the BJP-AJSU alliance in over a dozen constituencies. Though his party fell short electorally, Jairam Mahato positioned himself as a formidable force in Jharkhand politics.

Sita Soren: A Political Misstep

Sita Soren, once a key JMM leader, made headlines when she switched allegiance to the BJP, citing neglect and disrespect by her former party. However, her gamble proved costly. She faced defeats in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, significantly diminishing her political influence.

Geeta Koda: A Political Downfall

Geeta Koda’s switch from Congress to BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections was seen as a strategic move. However, her political fortunes took a nosedive as she lost both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Despite being appointed as BJP's State Working President, Geeta’s political relevance dwindled.

Champai Soren: A Brief Reign

After Hemant Soren’s arrest, Champai Soren was appointed Chief Minister, offering a brief period of stability. However, his tenure ended on July 3, 2024, when he resigned amidst internal party conflicts. Frustrated, he later joined the BJP. Although he managed to retain his Saraikela seat, his move failed to bring substantial gains for the BJP.

Alamgir Alam: Scandal and Survival

Alamgir Alam’s year was marred by controversy. Arrested on May 16, 2024, in connection with a tender scam, his political career seemed at risk. However, his wife Nisat Alam contested and won an Assembly seat, offering some relief to the family amidst ongoing investigations.

Sameer Oraon: Consecutive Defeats

Sameer Oraon, a senior BJP leader, faced back-to-back setbacks in 2024. He lost the Lohardaga Lok Sabha seat by over one lakh votes and suffered another defeat in the Bishunpur Assembly constituency. These losses cast a shadow over his political future.

Sudesh Mahto: A Shrinking Influence

AJSU supremo Sudesh Mahto faced one of his most challenging years. His party managed to secure only one Assembly seat out of ten contested, reflecting a sharp decline in influence. Even in the Lok Sabha elections, his candidate won with a narrow margin.

Babulal Marandi: A Leadership Crisis

For BJP State President Babulal Marandi, 2024 was a year of significant setbacks. The party's poor performance in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections raised questions about his leadership and strategy. Internal party tensions further added to his woes.

Amar Bauri: A Shocking Defeat

Leader of Opposition Amar Bauri faced an unexpected loss in the Chandankiyari Assembly constituency, slipping to third place. This defeat, after two consecutive victories, dealt a severe blow to his political career.

Conclusion: A Year of Political Transformation

The year 2024 reshaped Jharkhand's political canvas, with moments of extraordinary resilience and shocking failures. While Hemant and Kalpana Soren emerged as symbols of political survival and strength, others like Sita Soren, Geeta Koda, and Babulal Marandi faced sharp political declines. As the dust settles on this eventful year, Jharkhand gears up for a new era of leadership, alliances, and political strategies that will shape its future.