Ranchi: The political turmoil within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) took a dramatic turn on Tuesday after Sita Soren, daughter-in-law of party founder Shibu Soren, defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Her departure from the JMM comes amidst growing tensions within the Soren family and the rising prominence of Hemant Soren’s wife, Kalpana Soren, in party affairs.
The rift within the family became apparent earlier this year when speculation arose regarding Hemant Soren potentially stepping down as Chief Minister and paving the way for his wife Kalpana to assume leadership. Sita Soren, Hemant’s sister-in-law and a three-time MLA from Jama, publicly questioned Kalpana’s political acumen, indicating divisions within the family.
Following Hemant Soren’s arrest in a money laundering case, Kalpana Soren emerged as a vocal spokesperson for the JMM, managing her husband’s Twitter handle and representing the party’s stance in public forums.
Her active involvement in party matters and the perceived sympathy towards the family’s plight positioned her as a potential face for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
In contrast, Sita Soren’s disillusionment with the JMM leadership reached a tipping point, leading to her resignation as an MLA and subsequent defection to the BJP.
Accusing the JMM of undergoing a transformation controlled by individuals whose values diverged from hers, Sita Soren highlighted a sense of betrayal and lack of recognition for her contributions to the party over 14 years.
She also criticized the appointment of Champai Soren as Chief Minister, labeling him as a “rubber stamp.”
In her resignation letter addressed to party chief Shibu Soren, she cited neglect and marginalization by the party and its members since the passing of her husband, Durga Soren.
In response, JMM leaders expressed regret over Sita Soren’s departure, emphasizing her significance within the party. Manoj Pandey, a senior party member, acknowledged Sita’s contributions but cautioned against aligning with opposing factions that could jeopardize her political career.
Sita Soren’s move to the BJP signals a significant shift in Jharkhand’s political landscape and underscores the complexities within the JMM’s leadership dynamics. As the party braces for the upcoming elections, the fallout from this internal rift could shape its future trajectory.
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