Champai Soren likely to float new political party JMM; talks with BJP unconfirmed
- In Reports
- 11:00 PM, Aug 21, 2024
- Myind Staff
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren has announced his decision to launch a new political party, signalling growing tensions within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a party to which he has devoted the majority of his political career. This move marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape.
"I had mentioned three options - retirement, organisation, or friend. I will not retire; I will strengthen the party, a new party, and if I meet a good friend on the way, then will move ahead with them," Champai Soren told reporters, leaving open the possibility of future alliances.
When questioned about the limited time available to establish a new party before the upcoming state elections, Soren responded tersely, stating, "That's not your problem."
“When 30,000-40,000 workers can arrive within a day, then what problem will I have in forming a new (political party),” he added, asserting that the party will be formed within a week.
Champai Soren's decision to form a new political outfit comes after what he described as a period of "bitter humiliation" during his tenure as Jharkhand Chief Minister. In the days leading up to the announcement, Soren expressed his dissatisfaction with the JMM leadership, particularly after his government programs were abruptly cancelled by party leaders without his knowledge.
He stated that he remained silent because he was not driven by a hunger for power, but his self-respect had been deeply wounded.
"After so much humiliation, I was forced to look for an alternative path," Champai Soren said in a post on social media.
The former Chief Minister revealed that during a legislative party meeting, he had declared, "A new chapter in my life is going to begin from today."
"I had three options. First to retire from politics, second to float a separate outfit, and third, if I find any ally, to carry forward with them. From that day till today, and till the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, all options are open for me in this journey," he said in a post on X.
The former Chief Minister had taken office on February 2, following the resignation and subsequent arrest of then-CM Hemant Soren in a money-laundering case. However, his term was brief, as Hemant Soren was released from jail and re-elected as the JMM's legislature party leader on July 3, prompting Champai Soren's resignation.
Champai Soren visited Delhi on Sunday, fuelling speculation about a possible shift to the BJP. However, Jharkhand BJP Chief Babulal Marandi clarified on Monday that no discussions had yet occurred with Champai Soren regarding his potential move to the party.
"No talk was held yet with Champai Soren. He is a seasoned politician and has been part of the separate Jharkhand movement. He will himself decide his own path," Marandi said.
Image source: ANI
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