BJP’s Sita Soren is campaigning in Jharkhand

Ranches:

The first phase of Jharkhand assembly elections is over. Now, all eyes are on Jamtara, a region of the state notorious for cyber fraud but full of promise of change and development.

On November 20, the people of Jamtara will decide between 13 candidates, but the contest is particularly hot between two candidates – Congress MP Irfan Ansari and BJP’s Sita Soren, daughter-in-law of veteran Jharkhand politician Shibu Soren, and sister-in-law. Prime Minister Hemant Soren’s law.

Congress MP Irfan Ansari rallies with the message of progress, promoting his work in infrastructure and social development. His track record includes the construction of roads, hospitals and a major bridge – one he claims is the largest in Jharkhand’s history.

At a late-night meeting with supporters at his home, Mr. Ansari reflects on his contributions, admitting that transforming Jamtara into a city like Ranchi or Deoghar takes time. “Jamtara was a village,” he says. “Now there are roads, hospitals, universities. We have built the biggest bridge in Jharkhand. But real transformation takes time.”

However, the Congress candidate recently found himself in controversy due to a viral statement regarding his opponent. A first information report (FIR) has been filed, though Mr. Ansari claims the statement was forged. He promises to pursue the defamation after the election. “Watch the whole video,” he says. “I will resign from politics if I am wrong.”

Irfan Ansari

On the other hand, Sita Soren is running her campaign with a promise of ‘change’. The BJP candidate, an inheritor of Durga Soren’s legacy, is committed to fulfilling her late husband’s dream of developing Jamtara. “My husband wanted to make Jama like Japan,” she says. “We need change in the entire state, not just Jamtara.”

The rivalry between Mr Ansari and Ms Soren has intensified with accusations flying from both sides. While Ms. Soren dismisses Mr. Ansari’s statements as baseless allegations, she affirms her commitment to development. “If there is an incident, let them say. Ever since I got the party ticket, they call me a foreigner. Prove it if it’s true,” she says.

The BJP has expressed concern over the alleged infiltration from Bangladesh, particularly in the Santhal Pargana areas, regarding it as a significant electoral issue. However, Congress rejects this as divisive politics. Mr Ansari disputes the narrative, saying: “There are no infiltrators. This talk only poisons young minds.” Ms. Soren, meanwhile, argues that demographic changes raise valid concerns about the impact on the tribal population.

Jamtara, once known for its links to reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, has gained a darker reputation as a hub for cybercrime, garnering national attention after it became the subject of a web series. In villages like Sindarjori and Karamatand, stories abound of luxury houses built with fraudulent wealth.

Police records show that in 2021, Jamtara recorded 76 cybercrime cases with 187 arrests, with similar figures in 2022. Despite a decline in national cybercrime rates, Jamtara still carries nearly 10% of India’s cases – a shadow hovering over the electoral landscape.

With a mixed electorate comprising 30.10% Muslim and 27.12% tribal voters, both Mr Ansari and Ms Soren are vying for influence within these demographics. The Congress’ historically strong rule of 12 wins in 18 elections since 1952 faces a formidable challenge from the BJP. Mr. Ansari’s father, Furkan Ansari, was an MP here five times, solidifying the family legacy.

However, as the campaign escalates, local youth have expressed concern that the focus on national and party lines is overshadowing pressing local issues such as health, education and employment. “We need better schools and colleges, there is no talk of infiltrators,” says a local resident, Ganesh Mandal, stressing the pressing need for emergency facilities and basic healthcare.

As Jamtara prepares to vote, the choice is between continuity and a new direction. With accusations, promises and legacies in the mix, the electorate faces a complex decision. This high-stakes election could well set the course for Jamtara’s future as residents hope for a path that connects their needs with campaign promises.

With its layered history and current notoriety, Jamtara remains a unique constituency. As election day approaches, it is a microcosm of Jharkhand’s wider challenges – a battle for progress amid legacy, change and the specters of cyber crime.