In our series, covering profiles of key constituencies across States and Union Territories during the Lok Sabha elections, today we bring you a report on the DUMKA Lok Sabha Constituency in Jharkhand.
There are six legislative assembly segments that come under the Dumka Lok Sabha constituency, which includes Shikaripada, Jama, Dumka, Jamtara, Nala and Sarath. Four out of the six legislative segments; Dumka, Jama, Shikaripada and Nala are considered to be the bastions of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. Whereas, the Congress holds sway in Jamtara and Sarath has the stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party. There are over 15 lakh 63 thousand eligible voters in the Dumka parliamentary constituency which includes, more than 7 lakh 86 thousand male voters and above 7 lakh 76 thousand female voters.
One interesting aspect which this constituency has witnessed is that it has seen an increase in the voting percentage. In 2014, 71.38 percent voter turnout was recorded in Dumka, which then witnessed a rise of 2.05 percent in 2019 general election. Dumka has been going to poll since 1952 to 2019. Around 8 times Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s Shibu Soren was elected from this constituency. Congress’ Prithvi Chand Kisku has won from this seat once; whereas, thrice BJP candidates have clinched this seat. In 2019, BJP’s Sunil Soren won this seat with a margin of 47 thousand votes by defeating Shibu Soren of the JMM. There are 19 candidates in the fray. However, the main fight is between JMM leader Nalin Soren and BJP’s Sita Soren who also happens to be the daughter-in-law of Shibu Soren. Both Nalin Soren and Sita Soren are contesting the parliamentary polls for the first time. Sita Soren has been an MLA from the JMM thrice. However, before the Lok Sabha election, she jumped ship to contest σn the BJP ticket.
