Tamil Nadu CM Stalin congratulates Hemant Soren on resounding Jharkhand poll victory, hails it as win for "democracy and secularism"

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], November 23 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday congratulated Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Hemant Soren and the INDIA bloc for a "historic" victory in the Jharkhand Assembly elections.
Stalin called JMM's win a "resounding victory for democracy and secularism." He further accused the BJP of creating "countless obstacles" during JMM's rule in Jharkhand. He said Soren "fought back with courage and determination.
"Congratulations Hon'ble Hemant Soren and our INDIA bloc for a historic victory against all odds! Despite relentless misuse of power, vendetta politics, and countless obstacles created by the BJP over the past five years, Hemant Soren has fought back with courage and determination. The people of Jharkhand have reposed their faith in inclusive leadership. This is a resounding victory for democracy and secularism!" Stalin wrote in a post on X.
According to the latest data by the Election Commission of India, the JMM has won 34 seats till 8:00 pm, Congress won 15 seats and is leading on 1 seat, RJD has secured victory on 4 seats, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) - CPI(ML)(L) won 2 seats. As per the trends, the BJP has won 20 seats and has taken the lead on 1 seat, its alliance partners AJSU, JD(U) and LJP (RV) have won 1 seat each.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janta Party's Jharkhand election in-charge, Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday expressed sorrow over NDA trailing behind the INDIA alliance in the state.
Taking to social media X, Sarma wrote, "The loss in Jharkhand is deeply painful for me personally, even though we secured victory in all five by-elections in Assam. I have witnessed the unwavering dedication and relentless efforts of our Karyakartas in Jharkhand, who gave their all in this election,"
Sarma reaffirmed that the BJP fought the Jharkhand election to lead it on the path of development, fulfilling the aspirations of students and youth. He "humbly" accepted the defeat.
"We fought with a vision to protect the state from infiltration and to lead it on the path of development, fulfilling the aspirations of students and youth. However, we must humbly accept the mandate of the people, for that is the true essence of democracy. In these challenging times, we will stand firmly with our Karyakartas, offering them unwavering support and solidarity," Sarma said on X.
In the 2019 elections, the JMM won 30 seats, the BJP 25, and Congress 16 seats. (ANI)