In a significant political development, former Jharkhand Chief Minister and veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Champai Soren is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on August 30. The announcement was made by BJP leader and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in a late-night post on X (formerly Twitter), where he hailed Soren as a “distinguished adivasi leader of the country.”
The move comes after Champai Soren, 67, resigned from his position as Chief Minister earlier this year to make way for Hemant Soren, who took over the leadership of the state. Following his resignation, Champai Soren expressed his dissatisfaction with the party leadership, accusing them of disrespecting him. He hinted at making a significant political decision soon, which has now culminated in his decision to join the BJP.
Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a distinguished Adivasi leader of our country, @ChampaiSoren Ji met Hon’ble Union Home Minister @AmitShah Ji a short while ago. He will officially join the @BJP4India on 30th August in Ranchi. pic.twitter.com/OOAhpgrvmu
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 26, 2024
Despite his departure from the JMM, Champai Soren remained vocal about his commitment to Jharkhand’s development, stating that he would have accomplished more had he been given more time in office. Known as the “Jharkhand Tiger” among his supporters, Soren played a crucial role in the movement that led to the creation of the state of Jharkhand in the 1990s.
Rumours about his potential switch to the BJP had been circulating for weeks, fuelled by Soren’s cryptic remarks and a recent trip to Delhi, which he claimed was for personal reasons. However, speculation continued to grow, with the BJP maintaining a strategic silence while acknowledging Soren’s contributions as a “good Chief Minister” of Jharkhand.
Earlier today, Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is overseeing the BJP’s campaign in Jharkhand ahead of the upcoming state elections, publicly expressed his desire for Soren to join the party. The decision was finalized just hours later, with Sarma posting a picture of Champai Soren meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, confirming the date of his official induction into the BJP.
“Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a distinguished Adivasi leader of our country, Champai Soren Ji met Hon’ble Union Home Minister Amit Shah Ji a short while ago. He will officially join the BJP on 30th August in Ranchi,” Sarma tweeted.
Champai Soren had taken oath as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on February 2, 2024. He stepped down on July 3, making way for Hemant Soren, who assumed office as the 13th Chief Minister of the state on July 4.
The upcoming induction of Champai Soren into the BJP is expected to have a significant impact on the political landscape in Jharkhand as the state heads into elections later this year.
