‘2014 a hit film, not necessary that people will watch it again’

NEW DELHI: Hemant Soren, 43, is working president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and holds the record for being the youngest chief minister of Jharkhand. Currently, the leader of the Opposition in the tribal-dominated state, Soren is part of the efforts to form a front against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2019 election. He spoke to

on issues confronting the Opposition and how it plans to take on the BJP. Excerpts:

It will be important for the Opposition to establish the real issues in the discourse during elections. We always try to raise such issues. There are several such issues at the moment, which are related to people.

Kumar Uttam

2014 election with branding. This time ,such tricks will not work. You may say there are some issues on which today Opposition is either speaking in a low pitch or is not taking up properly nationally. But these issues are being taken up strongly at the regional level. We have won several battles through agitations. On some issues, you find a mute support even from people in the ruling party — that people should get relief. When thinking of so many people is converging on a common point, then these issues will become important in the election. remain united. 2019 election is the target for each Opposition party. What is happening in between is not relevant. In a democracy, elected representatives should choose a leader. The BJP has established this culture that you seek vote for a person, no matter what are his policies. The new generation will look back. They are coming up with issues like jobs, good life and engagement. They will keep these issues in mind.