Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its ongoing strategy of attracting legislators from ruling parties. His remarks follow the recent defection of his predecessor, Champai Soren, who has joined the BJP. Champai had said he was feelings slighted by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the current governing party in the state.
Champai Soren, who resigned as Chief Minister earlier this year, announced his decision to align with the BJP after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This move was confirmed by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is overseeing the BJP’s efforts for the upcoming elections in Jharkhand.
Sarma shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a distinguished Adivasi leader of our country, Champai Soren met Union Home Minister Amit Shah a short while ago. He will officially join the BJP on 30th August in Ranchi.”
In response, Hemant Soren accused the BJP of reviving its “sarkar todo abhiyan” and “vidhayak todo abhiyan” (campaigns to dismantle the government and poach MLAs). He said these tactics were also employed during the Lok Sabha elections. Soren promised that the BJP would face a befitting reply from the people in the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand.
Champai Soren became Chief Minister in February this year after Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case. However, Champai Soren resigned just five months later when Hemant Soren was granted bail and resumed his role.
Following his resignation, Champai Soren expressed feelings of humiliation, claiming he was marginalized within the JMM. He noted in a post on X that he was not informed about legislative meeting agendas despite being the Chief Minister and was unexpectedly asked to resign after Hemant Soren’s release. He expressed shock at being directed to step down by individuals he deemed “without authority.”
Amid rising speculation, Champai Soren recently indicated the possibility of forming a new political party. However, his frequent trips to Delhi over ten days fueled rumors of his impending switch to the BJP.
He clarified his decision on Tuesday, stating, “Initially, I thought of taking retirement, but later, witnessing the enthusiasm of workers and the public, I decided to remain actively involved in politics. I also considered forming a new organization, but due to time constraints and the unique dynamics in Jharkhand, I decided to join the BJP after much contemplation.”
Champai Soren also announced that his son, Babu Lal Soren, would join the BJP alongside him on August 30.
