JMM Draws a Blank in Assam Debut, Cites Early 'Footprint' After 16-Seat Bid

Overview

• The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha failed to win any of the 16 Assam assembly seats it contested Monday on its first outing in the state.
• The party reported a 1.17% vote share till 8 pm, which a JMM official said exceeded the combined tallies of CPI, CPI(M) and CPI(ML) Liberation.
• Phedricson Hasdak finished second in Gossaigaon with 21.4% of votes, and Priti Rekha Barla was runner‑up in Mazbat with 18.42%.
• Eight JMM candidates polled under 10% and were set to forfeit their deposits, according to the Election Commission.
• The campaign targeted Assam’s tea‑tribe community, estimated at about 70 lakh people with roots in Jharkhand, whose demands include ST status, fair wages and land rights.