Hemant Soren is set to reassume the role of Jharkhand Chief Minister following his election as leader by the alliance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and RJD. Later on Wednesday evening, Champai Soren tendered his resignation to the Governor of Jharkhand. He was accompanied by Hemant.
This decision marks his return to power after stepping down in January due to his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case.
Hemant Soren, who has consistently denied the charges, was granted bail last week, with the Jharkhand High Court stating there is reason to believe he is “not guilty of the offence as alleged.”
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However, this transition is not without internal party strife. Sources indicate that Champai Soren, who assumed the Chief Minister position following Hemant Soren’s resignation, is displeased with the decision to replace him. Reports suggest that Champai Soren might be appointed as JMM’s executive president and is expected to resign from his current post on Wednesday.
During a JMM legislature party meeting, Champai Soren reportedly expressed feelings of “insult” over the decision. Nevertheless, the party proceeded to name Hemant Soren as its legislature party leader. Champai Soren’s resignation, anticipated to be submitted to the Governor this evening, will officially initiate the process for Hemant to take over.
Also Read: 5 months after ED arrest, Hemant Soren walks out of jail hours after Jharkhand HC grants bail
The ruling coalition’s leaders, including Congress’ Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir, state president Rajesh Thakur, and Hemant Soren’s wife and MLA Kalpana Soren, reached a consensus on Hemant Soren’s return during a meeting at Champai Soren’s residence today. Speculation about a leadership change was fueled by the cancellation of all significant programs scheduled for Chief Minister Champai Soren today.
With elections in Jharkhand just months away, the JMM is preparing to contest with Hemant Soren as its prominent candidate. However, the decision to replace Champai Soren could provide the opposition BJP with leverage, bolstering its narrative against political dynasties.
Setting the stage for the BJP’s critique, party MP Nishikant Dubey from Jharkhand’s Godda commented on social media, declaring the “Champai Soren era is over in Jharkhand.” Dubey targeted the JMM, asserting, “In the family-oriented party, people outside the family have no political future. I wish the chief minister drew inspiration from Bhagwan Birsa Munda and stood up against the corrupt Hemant Soren ji.”
Champai Soren, 67, a seasoned leader of the JMM, has long been associated with the party’s founder and Hemant Soren’s father, Shibu Soren. Before assuming the Chief Minister role, he served as a cabinet minister in Hemant Soren’s government.
