New Delhi: Senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren is set to join the BJP on Friday, August 30th, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
This move comes after weeks of speculation and swirling rumours, fueled by Soren’s public accusations of mistreatment by the JMM leadership and his veiled hints at exploring alternative political options to continue his political journey.
Soren, fondly known as the “Jharkhand Tiger” for his pivotal role in the state’s formation in the 1990s, had stepped down as Chief Minister earlier this year, making way for Hemant Soren. He attributed his decision to limited time in office to implement his vision for Jharkhand’s development.
At midnight, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed his upcoming entry into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP, already eyeing a strong foothold in Jharkhand ahead of the forthcoming state elections, has been actively courting Soren, recognising his immense popularity and influence.
Experts see Soren’s defection as a major coup for the BJP, adding weight to their campaign and potentially tilting the electoral balance in the state in their favour. While the JMM has expressed concerns about Soren’s move and accused the BJP of poaching their leaders, the BJP has welcomed him with open arms, hailing him as a “distinguished Adivasi leader.”
“Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a distinguished Adivasi leader of our country, @ChampaiSoren Ji met Hon’ble Union Home Minister @AmitShah Ji a short while ago. He will officially join the @BJP4India on 30th August in Ranchi,” posted Sarma along with Soren’s meeting picture with Union Minister Amit Shah.
Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a distinguished Adivasi leader of our country, @ChampaiSoren Ji met Hon’ble Union Home Minister @AmitShah Ji a short while ago. He will officially join the @BJP4India on 30th August in Ranchi. pic.twitter.com/OOAhpgrvmu
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 26, 2024
Champai Soren had taken oath as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on February 2 this year when investigation agencies were aiming to arrest Hemant Soren in an alleged corruption case. He then resigned from the post of Chief Minister on July 3, a day before JMM executive president Hemant Soren took oath as the 13th chief minister of Jharkhand on July 4.