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The recent Jharkhand Assembly elections resulted in a victory for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc, securing 56 seats out of 81 in the 2024 elections. This win marks a continuation of their governance, building upon their success in the 2019 elections. The JMM, under Chief Minister Hemant Soren, emerged as the strongest party, winning 34 seats, a significant increase from their 2019 tally of 30. Their coalition partners, the Congress (16 seats), the RJD (4 seats), and the CPI(ML)L (2 seats) also contributed to their decisive victory. The opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprised primarily of the BJP (21 seats), secured a considerably smaller number of seats compared to their performance in 2019, underscoring the shift in electoral dynamics within the state.
Beyond the party-specific results, the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections have introduced a notable shift in the demographic makeup of the legislative body. A striking feature of this election is the record-high number of women MLAs. The new assembly boasts 12 female members, constituting a significant 15% of the 81-member house. This represents a substantial increase compared to the previous assembly (10 women) and is the highest number of women representatives elected in the 24-year history of the state's assembly since its formation in 2000. This landmark achievement reflects a growing trend of women's representation in Indian politics and signifies progress towards greater gender equality in the political landscape of Jharkhand.
Another key demographic shift observed in the new Jharkhand Assembly is the increasing age of its members. The median age of the MLAs has risen from 43 in 2009 to 53 in 2024, indicating a move towards a more experienced legislative body. This demographic change is reflected in the age distribution: 47% of the MLAs now fall within the 41-55 age bracket, while 31% are aged between 56 and 70. This contrasts with the 2019 assembly, where 60% of members were in the 41-55 age group, and 22% were in the 56-70 age group. The shift suggests a changing dynamic in the political landscape, with a more mature and experienced group of lawmakers taking on legislative responsibilities. While the educational profile of MLAs has remained relatively consistent over the past decade—around 40% having studied up to higher secondary school, 37% being graduates, and 22% postgraduates—the increased average age points towards a potential alteration in legislative priorities and approaches.
The increase in the number of women MLAs is a significant development in Jharkhand's political history. It highlights a progressive shift in the state's political landscape and represents a move toward increased gender diversity in political representation. This reflects a broader national trend towards greater inclusion and recognition of women's roles in governance and decision-making. The substantial increase in the number of women MLAs from previous assemblies indicates a growing awareness of the importance of women's perspectives in the legislative process and the need for diverse voices in policy formulation and implementation. This milestone achievement in Jharkhand's political journey serves as an inspiration for other states in India to strive for greater gender balance in their legislative bodies.
The rise in the median age of the MLAs underscores a potential for different policy approaches and priorities in the new Jharkhand Assembly. Older legislators may bring to the table a broader range of experiences and a more established understanding of the state's political dynamics. This could lead to a focus on long-term planning, greater stability in policy-making, and potentially a more cautious approach to political maneuvering. However, it remains to be seen how this shift in age demographics will influence the specific legislative agendas and outcomes in the coming years. The interplay between the increased representation of women and the older age profile of the assembly will undoubtedly shape the political landscape of Jharkhand in the forthcoming years.