Emerging Figure in Jharkhand Politics: Kalpana Soren's Increasing Impact

Ranchi- Up until eight months ago, individuals only recognized this woman as the spouse of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The woman, who previously expressed no political interest and only desired a family life in interviews, is now being recognized as a powerful leader.

Kalpana Soren is currently delivering articulate speeches in Hindi, Santhali, and Bengali. There are very few leaders in India who speak three languages during rallies within the same state.

In the 2024 Jharkhand assembly elections, a transformed and developed Kalpana Soren is evident. Kalpana, previously identified solely as Hemant Soren's spouse, is now recognized as the primary spokesperson for the India Alliance. Many candidates from the alliance want to welcome her to their individual assembly constituencies.

Kalpana Soren not only discusses the problems of Jharkhand in her speeches but also openly addresses various national issues. Her speeches bring attention to both local issues, such as the troubles faced by tribes in Manipur, and national problems like the deforestation of the Hasdeo forest in Chhattisgarh. Nevertheless, the media controlled by Brahmin-Bania interests does not want to highlight this recent development.

In every speech, Kalpana Soren brings up the Sarna Dharma Code Bill. The bill was approved by the Jharkhand government under Hemant Soren's leadership in 2020 and is awaiting approval from the President. This code is proposed to ensure that the tribal community is counted separately in the census and to acknowledge their distinct identity. Leaders and tribal organizations in Jharkhand are continuously urging for a distinct category for tribals in the census to protect their cultural heritage.

The rise of Kalpana Soren is proof that new leadership is emerging in the politics of Jharkhand, giving a strong voice to the issues of tribal identity and rights.

- Abhinav Singh Yadav is a graduate of the University of Delhi and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Economic Studies at the Central University of Punjab.