Champai Soren Resigns as CM of Jharkhand, Paving the Way for Hemant Soren’s Return
Champai Soren, the current CM of Jharkhand, has stepped down to make room for Hemant Soren’s return. On July 3, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance elected Hemant Soren as leader of the legislative ruling Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc parties.
The JMM-led alliance’s MLAs strongly chose Mr. Hemant Soren to be their new leader; on June 28, he was freed on bond in connection with a money laundering investigation. The BJP then accuses JMM of carrying out nepotism.
Shortly after, he met with the governor to stake his claim to form the government. Hemant Soren, who had been released on bail in a money laundering case on June 28, is now poised to become the 13th Chief Minister of Jharkhand.
Champai Soren and the Leadership Change
Champai Soren, the outgoing Chief Minister, announced his resignation to the media outside Raj Bhawan. He explained that the alliance had decided to elect Hemant Soren as their leader, and he willingly stepped down from his position.
Champai Soren handed his resignation to Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, after which Hemant Soren, along with alliance leaders, met the Governor to discuss forming the new government. Hemant Soren is expected to take the oath as Chief Minister on July 4.
The Decision to Elect Hemant Soren
Earlier on the same day, a lengthy meeting was held between parties involving Chief Minister Champai Soren, Congress Party in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir, State Congress President Rajesh Thakur, and other leaders from the alliance.
The MLAs from the ruling alliance reached an agreement to appoint Hemant Soren as the new Chief Minister again. Congress MLA Irfan Ansari confirmed this decision by informing the local media.
Hemant Soren’s Political Journey
Hemant Soren, who was previously arrested by the ED (Enforcement Directorate) on January 31 in connection with a money laundering case. Despite his arrest, the alliance is keen to have him back as the Chief Minister.
An unconfirmed JMM MLA expressed certainty that the Governor will soon extend an invitation to Hemant Soren to take the oath. If this happens, it will be Hemant Soren’s third term serving as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, having previously held the position in July 2013 and December 2019.
The Role of Champai Soren Moving Forward
Champai Soren, who denied being upset over the leadership change, might take on a new role. He is likely to be appointed as the chairman of the INDIA bloc coordination committee in the state or as the executive president of the JMM.
Strength of the Ruling Alliance
The JMM-led alliance, now known as the INDIA bloc, has a strong presence in the 81-member Jharkhand State Assembly. Their strength has increased to 45 seats, comprising JMM with 27 seats, Congress with 17 seats, and RJD with one seat. In contrast, the BJP holds 24 seats, having lost two legislators who were elected as MPs.
Hemant Soren’s Family in Politics
Following Hemant Soren’s incarceration, his wife, Kalpana Soren, entered politics and won a by-election in the Gandey constituency, defeating the BJP candidate. This seat had become vacant after the resignation of JMM MLA Sarfaraj Ahmad.
Reactions to the Leadership Change
Ahead of the alliance meeting, Ghulam Ahmad Mir and Rajesh Thakur met with Hemant Soren. A JMM leader stated that the alliance elected Hemant Soren as the CM to ensure unified leadership ahead of the upcoming state elections in October.
Hemant Soren’s estranged sister-in-law, Sita Soren, who had unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from the Dumka seat as a BJP candidate, criticized the leadership change.
She remarked that simply changing the face of the CM would not bring any benefits. Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Vinay Singh accused the JMM of practicing dynastic politics, claiming that the temporary transition of power to Champai Soren was just a façade.
Read also the article: Holding Lord Shiva’s Image in Hand, Rahul Gandhi launches an Attack on PM Modi
What next for Jharkhand politics?
The political landscape in Jharkhand is set to change with Hemant Soren’s anticipated return as Chief Minister. As the state prepares for upcoming elections, the focus remains on effective governance and addressing public concerns.
Champai Soren’s resignation marks a significant shift, but his continued involvement in the alliance’s activities ensures his role in shaping Jharkhand’s political future.
