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Shibu Soren
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Dumka, Jan. 31: The JMM leadership is busy with last-minute preparations for its historic midnight rally in Dumka on Saturday — an annual event held since the days of statehood movement that was led by party supremo Shibu Soren.
The 35th rally is more significant for several reasons. First, it is being held in the immediate aftermath of the party’s unceremonious separation from the BJP, which resulted in imposition of President’s Rule. Second, it will be another test of the Sorens’ popularity in the tribal heartland in the changed political scenario.
Shibu Soren’s son Hemant has taken charge of the rally and arrived in Dumka day before yesterday to supervise arrangements.
“Over 20,000 party supporters, including women and children, were likely to attend the rally at Gandhi maidan. Like always, they will come armed with traditional weapons like bows and arrows (JMM’s symbol) and of course musical instruments like the mandar,” said media in-charge of district JMM Prakash Gandharva said.
Party MLAs and respective district units of Santhal Pargana have also been making separate arrangements to ferry party supporters to the venue.
Altogether 51 welcome gates are to be erected at different locations of the town. Work started about a week ago. The entire town and important roads have been adorned with strings of party flags and festoons.
According to JMM insiders, the party will clear its stand on the fate of the new government in the rally.
The Soren senior signalled as much during a discussion with senior party workers at his Bokaro steel city residence today.
“We will hold party workers’ rallies in Dumka on February 2 and Dhanbad on February 4, where I will speak about our future programmes. But we also want the Congress to take a final stand as a lot is at stake,” said Soren.
Rooting for an elected government in the state as it is was best suited for democracy, Soren said Jharkhand would soon have a new government, which would solve all problems. “There are all chances of JMM forming the new government. Just have patience,” said Guruji while brushing aside speculations that the state was heading towards fresh elections.
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