Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Hemant Soren is poised to reassume the role of Jharkhand Chief Minister after the alliance of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and the RJD elected him as their leader, facilitating his return to the state’s top position. Hemant Soren had stepped down as Chief Minister in January before being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case, from which he was granted bail last week. Soren has consistently denied all charges against him.
However, the decision has not been without controversy. Champai Soren, who assumed the Chief Minister position after Hemant Soren’s resignation, is reportedly unhappy with the decision to replace him. Sources suggest that Champai Soren may be appointed as JMM’s executive president in response to the situation.
During a JMM legislature party meeting, Champai Soren expressed feeling “insulted” by the leadership change, according to sources. Despite his objections, the party proceeded to name Hemant Soren as the leader of its legislature party.
Champai Soren is expected to submit his resignation to the Governor this evening, initiating the formal process for Hemant Soren to retake the Chief Minister position.
The ruling coalition reached a consensus on Hemant Soren’s return during a meeting held at Champai Soren’s residence. The meeting was attended by Congress’ Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir, state president Rajesh Thakur, and Hemant Soren’s wife and MLA Kalpana Soren.
Speculation about a potential change in leadership intensified after all significant programs scheduled for Chief Minister Champai Soren were canceled today.
With elections in Jharkhand only a few months away, the JMM aims to contest the polls with Hemant Soren as their central figure. However, the decision to replace Champai Soren is expected to provide the opposition BJP with ammunition in the upcoming elections, bolstering their narrative against dynastic politics.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey from Jharkhand’s Godda district commented on social media, “The Champai Soren era is over in Jharkhand.” He criticized the JMM, stating, “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, is a veteran JMM leader and has been a long-time associate of party founder Shibu Soren, Hemant Soren’s father. Prior to becoming Chief Minister, Champai Soren served as a cabinet minister in Hemant Soren’s government.
