Hemant Soren Stakes Claim to Form Govt, BJP Says Unfair to Champai Soren

Political Shift as Champai Soren Resigns After 5-Month Tenure

Hemant Soren’s return as Jharkhand Chief Minister marks a significant political development, raising questions about governance continuity and alliance dynamics.

RANCHI – Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) working president Hemant Soren is poised to return as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand after he staked his claim to form the next government, following the resignation of Champai Soren.

Champai Soren submitted his resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

The change comes after Hemant Soren’s release on bail and a crucial meeting of the INDIA alliance legislators.

Champai Soren’s Brief but Impactful Tenure

During his five-month tenure, Champai Soren implemented several significant initiatives:

Initiative	Description
Caste Census	Approved proposal for a caste survey
Electricity Bill Waiver	Up to 200 units per month for 41,44,634 consumers
Abua Health Security Scheme	For those not covered under Ayushman Bharat
Sister-Daughter May-Kui Incentive	Rs. 1000 assistance for women aged 21-50
Hospital Operation Scheme	Allocated funds to various healthcare facilities
Abua Housing Scheme	Three-room housing for 4.5 lakh beneficiaries

Political Reactions and Implications

BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo criticized the INDIA alliance meeting, calling it disrespectful to Champai Soren’s position as sitting CM.

In a comment on social media, he said: “A meeting in which Chief Minister Champai Soren was sidelined while still in office. Insult to the Chief Minister before his resignation. In the meeting of Indi alliance in Ranchi, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hon. Shri @ChampaiSoren was made to sit on one side. Congress in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir is sitting in the middle. Whereas according to the information, Champai Soren, who was presiding over the meeting, was sidelined.”

He further added: “The protocol also advocates the Chief Minister to sit in the middle. People who talk about the Constitution and democracy today are blurring it. This is an insult to the entire tribal society, especially the Kolhan region. The Soren family is unable to digest another tribal outside the family being on the post of Chief Minister. Shameful.”

I am very happy to see you soon, and I will be happy to see you soon. I am the one who has the courage to do so

I am very happy to see you soon, and I will be happy to see you soon. @ChampaiSoren I am the one who has the courage to do so I am very happy to see you soon… pic.twitter.com/pdWBpEI8y4

— Pratul Shah Deo🇮🇳 (@pratulshahdeo) July 3, 2024

A senior journalist commented on the political shift: “While there may be discussions about Hemant Soren’s decision among intellectuals, those who understand JMM know that the party’s vote bank recognizes only the Soren family and the bow-arrow symbol.”

He added that Champai Soren should be grateful for the opportunity to serve as CM and will now be eligible for former CM benefits.

Future Political Landscape

Recent developments highlight Jharkhand’s political uncertainty. Hemant Soren’s return is seen as both a necessity and a strategic move, considering the upcoming state assembly elections.

His arrest on January 31 in a land scam case had garnered sympathy, potentially strengthening his position within the INDIA alliance.

As Jharkhand prepares for this transition, questions remain about the stability of the new government and its impact on ongoing projects and alliances.