Echoes of Tamak and JMM Flags: ‘Sthapna Diwas’ to Be Celebrated Without Guruji for the First Time; Hemant Soren Faces Trial by Fire

Dumka, Jharkhand: For the first time, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) will celebrate its 47th Jharkhand Day without the presence of its founding leader, the late Shibu Soren. Scheduled for February 2 in Dumka, this year’s celebrations will test Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s ability to uphold party morale and rally supporters in the absence of the iconic “Guruji.”

Party leaders, however, have vowed to maintain tradition and infuse the event with even greater enthusiasm. They insist that despite Guruji’s absence, the public turnout and the vibrancy of the celebrations will be historic, paying homage to the Jharkhand movement’s founder while reaffirming the party’s enduring strength.

Preparations and Power Display at Pramandal-Level Meeting

In anticipation of the event, a Pramandal-level meeting was convened at the Dumka Club under the chairmanship of Dumka MLA Basant Soren. Senior leaders including MP Nalin Soren, Minister Hafizul Hasan, Maheshpur MLA Prof. Stephen Marandi, Jama MLA Dr. Louis Marandi, along with legislators and district heads from all six districts of Santhal Pargana, attended.

The meeting opened with floral tributes to Shibu Soren, evoking both emotion and renewed resolve among attendees. Leaders emphasized the challenge of sustaining the party’s momentum and gathering massive crowds without the guiding presence of Guruji.

Direct Attack on SIR, Warning to Centre

Addressing the gathering, Basant Soren sharply criticized the central government, declaring that SIR (Special Industrial Region) will not be implemented in Jharkhand at any cost. Labeling it a “conspiracy,” he stated that the February 2 rally will expose SIR’s flaws to the public while highlighting the achievements of the PESA Act passed by the state government. He also warned that any disorder or misbehavior during the rally would not be tolerated.

Tamak to Resonate Across Santhal, JMM Flags in Every Village

Jama MLA Dr. Louis Marandi called Jharkhand Day a symbol of the party’s identity and struggle. He urged that JMM flags reach every village and adorn every vehicle. He emphasized that the true spirit of Jharkhand Day lies in the resonant sound of the tamak, and that the absence of Guruji should not dampen the celebrations, making it the collective responsibility of all party workers to ensure a grand and spirited event.

Minister Hafizul Hasan added that the rally would also clarify the party’s strategy on key issues such as SIR, the PESA Act, and upcoming municipal elections.

47-Year Tradition Continues

Jharkhand Day has been celebrated by JMM in Dumka on February 2 for the past 46 years, with thousands of party workers from all six districts of Santhal Pargana gathering at SP College grounds before marching to Gandhi Maidan. Despite freezing cold, supporters have traditionally stayed late into the night to hear party leaders speak.

This year, the celebrations are expected not only to be a demonstration of political strength but also a historic tribute to the memory of the revered “Dishom Guru,” Shibu Soren, marking a memorable chapter in JMM’s enduring legacy.