harkhand Foundation Day 2025: The Saga of Babulal Marandi – Struggle, Sacrifice, and Political Turmoil

a name synonymous with struggle, sacrifice, and political resilience, has played a pivotal role in shaping Jharkhand’s political landscape. From strengthening the BJP’s grassroots presence to standing against Naxalite violence and laying the foundation for development in the state, his journey has been marked by both triumph and personal heartbreak.

Early Life and Political Beginnings
Born on 11th January 1958 in Kodaibank village, Giridih district, Marandi completed his schooling locally and earned a postgraduate degree in Geography from Ranchi University. During this time, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later served as Organizational Secretary of the Vishva Hindu Parishad in Jharkhand. Marandi became a staunch advocate of development and democratic governance in the face of Naxalite challenges.

Rise in National Politics
In 1991, under the guidance of Govindacharya, Marandi was brought into the BJP for a specific political purpose. He contested against Shibu Soren of JMM from Dumka in the 1991 and 1996 Lok Sabha elections, narrowly losing the latter by just 5,000 votes. His perseverance paid off in 1998, when he defeated Soren, and later in 1999, when he defeated Soren’s wife, Rupi Soren, consolidating his reputation as a formidable political leader.

Under Marandi’s leadership, the BJP won 12 out of 14 Lok Sabha seats in the Jharkhand region during the 1998 elections, earning him a place in the cabinet of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

First Chief Minister of Jharkhand
In 2000, Babulal Marandi became the first Chief Minister of Jharkhand. However, due to a domicile controversy, he had to resign in 2003, marking the start of internal conflicts within the BJP. Frustrated by factionalism and betrayal within the party, Marandi left the BJP in 2006.

Personal Tragedy Amid Political Struggle
One of the darkest moments in Marandi’s life came on 26th October 2007, during a Naxalite attack at a football ground in Chilkhari, Giridih, which left 20 people dead. While the attack targeted his brother, Nunu Marandi, it also claimed the life of his son Anup Marandi. The tragedy left an indelible mark on Marandi’s personal and political life.

Formation of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha
In 2006, Marandi founded the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM), playing the role of a kingmaker in Jharkhand politics until 2019. Despite electoral victories, he often faced challenges in consolidating his party. In 2020, JVM merged back with the BJP.

Role in 2024 Jharkhand Assembly Elections
During the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections, the BJP initially prioritized other leaders for key responsibilities, but following the election results, the party recognized Marandi’s significance. He was unanimously chosen as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party in Jharkhand, in the presence of central observers Bhupendra Yadav and K. Lakshman.

Babulal Marandi’s journey reflects a remarkable blend of political acumen, personal sacrifice, and resilience, making him one of Jharkhand’s most influential leaders.

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