📷 Image Credits: NDTV
Hemant Soren is poised to reclaim the position of Jharkhand Chief Minister following a decision by the ruling coalition of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and the RJD to elect him as their leader. The move signals a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. Earlier in January, Hemant Soren had stepped down from his role as Chief Minister before being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case. However, he was granted bail last week, with the Jharkhand High Court expressing belief in his innocence.
Despite this development, Champai Soren, who had assumed the Chief Minister’s responsibilities in Hemant Soren’s absence, has expressed discontent with the decision to replace him. Reports suggest that Champai Soren may be appointed as JMM’s executive president and is expected to tender his resignation. At a recent meeting of JMM’s legislature party, Champai Soren voiced feelings of being ‘insulted’ in response to the leadership change.
The political maneuvering has led to tensions within the ruling coalition, with Congress legislators in Jharkhand raising objections over the induction of four party MLAs as ministers in the Champai Soren-led government. A group of 12 MLAs has threatened to boycott the upcoming assembly session unless the ministers are replaced by new faces. The discontent among Congress lawmakers underscores the underlying power dynamics at play within the coalition.
The move to reinstate Hemant Soren as Chief Minister comes at a crucial juncture, with elections in Jharkhand looming on the horizon. While the JMM aims to position Hemant Soren as its key figurehead for the polls, the decision to replace Champai Soren could potentially fuel the Opposition BJP’s narrative against dynasty politics. The BJP has already seized on the leadership change, with party MP Nishikant Dubey declaring the end of the ‘Champai Soren era’ in Jharkhand.
Champai Soren’s long-standing association with the JMM and his tenure as a cabinet minister in Hemant Soren’s previous government adds complexity to the political landscape. As he prepares to step down from his role, the political repercussions of this transition are expected to reverberate across Jharkhand’s political spectrum. The coming days are likely to witness further developments as the state prepares for a new chapter under Hemant Soren’s leadership.
