Sudesh Mahto, leader of Jharkhand's AJSU Party, has announced an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections following a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This marks a shift from the last assembly polls where AJSU contested independently, although they had allied with the BJP during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Mahto emphasized the need for a united NDA government in Jharkhand and discussed the current political climate and the performance of the JMM-led government with Shah. The meeting also addressed the discontent of senior JMM leader Champai Soren, who is speculated to be considering a switch to the BJP amidst his frustrations with the JMM. Soren, who has significant influence over multiple assembly segments, has indicated that he might explore forming a new political entity. This alliance comes as both parties aim to consolidate support ahead of the elections.