Jharkhand: Champai Soren resigns as Chief Minister, paves way for Hemant Soren's return
- In Reports
- 08:56 PM, Jul 03, 2024
- Myind Staff
Hemant Soren, who was previously the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, is set to return to office following the resignation of his close aide, Champai Soren. Champai Soren, who is regarded as the third most influential leader in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), stepped down just five months after his swearing-in on February 2. This resignation paves the way for Hemant Soren's return to the chief ministerial position.
Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on allegations related to a land scam, resulting in his temporary departure from office. However, he was released on bail by the Jharkhand High Court on June 28. The court's decision was based on the assessment that there was sufficient reason to believe he was "not guilty of the offence". This legal development has facilitated his return to political leadership in Jharkhand.
After submitting his resignation to Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan on the evening of July 3, Champai Soren addressed the media. Initially reported to be upset over being asked to step down, he clarified his position in Hindi: "When the leadership had changed, I was given responsibility. You know the sequence of events. After Hemant Soren came back, we (the coalition) picked him as our leader and I resigned. I am following the decision taken by the coalition."
This statement highlights Champai Soren's acknowledgment of the coalition's decision-making process and his compliance with the leadership's choices, underscoring the political dynamics within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and its allied partners. When asked about the timing of his oath-taking ceremony, Hemant Soren, who was standing next to Champai Soren, indicated that more details would be provided later.
Jharkhand is currently governed by a coalition comprising the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation. This coalition has been instrumental in shaping the state's political landscape and ensuring collaborative decision-making among its constituent parties.
Earlier on July 3, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) had elected Hemant Soren as the legislature party leader, setting the stage for his return as chief minister. This decision countered widespread speculation that Champai Soren would retain the post until the Jharkhand Assembly elections, scheduled for later this year, after which Hemant Soren would resume the role if the coalition emerged victorious.
Sources revealed that Champai Soren, who is likely to be appointed as the JMM's Executive President, felt insulted by the request to step down. He expressed his displeasure during the party meeting, indicating his initial resistance to the leadership's decision.
Leaders of the ruling coalition reached a consensus on Hemant Soren's return to the position of chief minister during a meeting held at Champai Soren's residence. Key attendees included Congress' Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir, state president Rajesh Thakur, and Hemant Soren's wife and MLA, Kalpana Soren. This gathering underscored the collaborative decision-making process within the coalition, ensuring that all key stakeholders were involved in the transition of leadership.
Sources indicated that the decision to reinstate Hemant Soren as chief minister was made to position him as the party's face for the upcoming elections. In the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly, the JMM holds 27 seats, the Congress has 18, and the RJD and CPI (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation have one seat each.
The BJP, with 24 MLAs, has criticised Hemant Soren, reiterating its accusation of dynastic politics against his family. This move by the ruling coalition aims to leverage Hemant Soren's leadership and popularity in the forthcoming electoral battle.
Image Source: The Economic Times
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