Hemant Soren Announces Rs 2,500 Monthly Stipend for Assam Women in Major Poll Promise
In a significant move ahead of the Assam assembly elections, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday unveiled a major welfare initiative, announcing a Rs 2,500 monthly stipend for women in the state. This announcement came as Soren spearheaded his party's campaign in poll-bound Assam, with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leadership expressing confidence in playing a pivotal role in forming the next government in the northeastern state.
Phool-Jhano Ma Samman Yojana: Mirroring Jharkhand's Success
Hemant Soren introduced the Phool-Jhano Ma Samman Yojana, a scheme that directly mirrors his government's highly successful Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana in Jharkhand. Launched in 2024, the Jharkhand scheme proved to be a game-changer, helping Soren return to office with a thumping majority in that year's assembly polls. Currently, over 56 lakh women between the ages of 18 and 50 in Jharkhand are beneficiaries of this financial assistance program.
Beyond the new stipend scheme, Hemant Soren made additional commitments aimed at empowering women and students in Assam. He pledged to build safe and modern hostels for girl students, addressing infrastructure gaps and promoting educational access. These promises form part of JMM's broader strategy to appeal to key voter demographics in the state.
JMM's Solo Campaign in Assam: A Strategic Gamble
In a bold political maneuver, the JMM has chosen to go solo in the Assam elections, snubbing the Congress and other potential allies. The party initially fielded candidates in 21 seats but is now actively contesting 18 seats in the 126-member state legislature. This decision reflects JMM's ambition to expand its national footprint beyond its traditional stronghold in Jharkhand.
Since March 29, Hemant Soren has been camping in various parts of Assam's tea estate region, mobilizing voters alongside a battery of JMM MLAs, MPs, and party workers. On Monday, he held poll rallies in Dibrugarh and conducted strategy meetings with local party workers. Taking to social media platform X, Soren wrote, "Today, I held a meeting in Dibrugarh, Assam, with workers of JMM regarding the upcoming assembly elections. There was an extensive discussion on the electoral strategy."
He further emphasized, "The ideology of JMM has always been to strongly raise the voice of tribals, the exploited, and the deprived sections. This election is not just about a change of power in Assam, but also about empowering social justice and regional identity. With the enthusiasm, unity, and commitment of all, I am confident that we will move forward strongly together."
Confidence in Forming Government: JMM's Optimistic Outlook
On JMM's electoral prospects, Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM central general secretary and spokesperson, stated in Ranchi, "JMM is fighting the Assam election strongly, and will emerge as one of the key forces during the formation of the next government." This statement underscores the party's confidence in securing a influential position in Assam's political landscape, potentially as a kingmaker or coalition partner.
The announcement of the women's stipend scheme represents a strategic replication of JMM's successful Jharkhand model, aiming to resonate with Assam's female electorate. As the campaign intensifies, all eyes are on whether this welfare promise, combined with JMM's focus on tribal and marginalized communities, will translate into significant electoral gains in the upcoming polls.
