Deepak Birua, a three-time MLA from Chaibasa and the only Ho tribal minister in the previous Jharkhand government, is seeking re-election. He attributes the economic woes of the Kolhan region, particularly the closure of mines and rising unemployment, to the policies of the BJP-led central government. Birua dismisses the impact of Champai Soren’s switch to the BJP on JMM’s support base, claiming that Soren’s recent statements contradict his past actions and are alienating voters. He highlights the JMM government’s welfare schemes and dismisses the BJP’s “infiltration narrative” as an election tactic. Birua criticizes the Centre’s inaction on reopening mines and its alleged withholding of coal mining royalty dues, claiming that the BJP is using pressure tactics to harm the state’s economy. He also blames the Centre for hindering the implementation of the PESA Act and the distribution of Van Pattas. Birua expresses confidence in the JMM’s victory, citing the party’s popular welfare schemes and the public’s dissatisfaction with the BJP’s policies.