Ranchi. Is Champai Soren, who was the Chief Minister of Jharkhand some time back, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly elections? This question has arisen from the political discussions that can be heard a lot in the power corridors of both Ranchi and New Delhi. It was well known in the political circles that Champai Soren was unhappy with the way he was unceremoniously removed from the post of Chief Minister to make Hemant Soren the CM again. He was appointed to the top post after Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) so that his seat is secured till his return.
Former JMM MLA Lobin Hembrom, who fought the Lok Sabha elections as a rebel candidate, told a media organization that Champai Soren is in touch with the BJP leadership. He said that now the time has come to oppose the politics of ‘parivarvaad’ or dynasty. This has fueled speculation about Champai Soren leaving JMM. Gradually, the talks of not only Champai Soren, but also Lobin Hembrom as well as current minister Badal Patralekh joining the BJP in Delhi have intensified.
What has fuelled the rumours is Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praising Champai Soren. He said, “In the last five years of JMM-Congress rule in Jharkhand, if any work has been accomplished it has been during Champai Soren’s six-month tenure as chief minister.” The statement assumes more significance when it is pointed out that Sarma is also the BJP co-in-charge for the Jharkhand elections, which are expected to be held later this year. Regarding the speculation, former BJP state president Deepak Prakash said, “He (Champai Soren) was serving Jharkhand as an able chief minister. The three-and-a-half crore people of Jharkhand are happy with his work. But the way he was removed from the CM post was unfortunate…what was his fault?”
However, the man at the centre of the speculation has dismissed the buzz. With a smile and a calm demeanour, Champai Soren did not give much importance to his speculated visit to New Delhi. When asked by reporters during his stay in his constituency Saraikela on Friday, he said, “You people ask such questions… I am in front of you.”
It is well known that Champai Soren was not happy with the way he was removed after Hemant Soren was released from jail on bail. Sources say he complained to those close to him that he felt “humiliated” by the way he was removed. He is a tribal leader who has always been a “chief minister in waiting”. He is a tribal by birth and is a loyalist of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party’s first family – the Sorens.
Tags: BJP, Champai Soren, hemant soren
FIRST PUBLISHED : August 17, 2024, 18:34 IST
