At just 30, this PhD student is shaking up the state’s political landscape, leading a wild card party that’s running in 69 out of 81 seats. After securing three lakh votes in the Lok Sabha race, can Jairam and his party, the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, now make history in the assembly poll?

Jairam Mahato has built a loyal young following, particularly among the OBC Kurmi community, which makes up for 15 percent of Jharkhand’s population. Jairam’s political rise began with his involvement in a street movement opposing the recognition of Bhojpuri and Magahi as official languages in Jharkhand. Now, for Jairam, the core issue is non-Jharkhandis taking local jobs and resources while the BJP has spotlighted illegal Bangladeshi immigration. Will all this translate to real votes?

In this exclusive interview, Manisha Pande digs into his vision, questions about his funding sources, and rumours linking him to the BJP and JMM. We also dive into Jharkhand’s outsider sentiment – is the surge in anti-immigrant anxiety a sign of deeper issues? 

Watch.

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