The eastern state of India, Jharkhand. Born in the year 2000, and as it reaches its 24th anniversary, the state's politics are once again in turmoil, similar to what Jharkhand has always been known for. Over the past 24 years, Jharkhand has seen many short-term chief ministers. This trend began with the creation of the state and has continually proven that 'Jharkhand is a politically unstable state.'
The talk of instability is relevant today due to recent events. In July, former CM Champai Soren handed in his resignation. His rise to CM was already a surprising event when Hemant Soren, the then CM, was sent to jail. Hemant had handed over the CM chair to Champai amid allegations of corruption related to mining.
About five months later, Hemant Soren returned, reclaiming power and compelling Champai Soren to step down. Hemant Soren again became CM, but since then, rumors of Champai Soren's rebellious stance have been in the limelight. Let's take a look at the sequence of events leading to this turmoil.
Source: aajtak
CM Soren Arrested and Sent to Jail (31 January 2024)
The events began on 31 January 2024. Jharkhand's CM Hemant Soren was extensively questioned by the ED in a money laundering case connected to mining and subsequently arrested. Before the arrest, Hemant resigned from his position. Champai Soren was elected as the new leader by the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance and sworn in as CM.
Champai Soren Took Oath as CM (2 February 2024)
Two days after Hemant's arrest, Champai Soren took the oath as the CM of Jharkhand on the afternoon of 2 February 2024. He secured a majority vote, ensuring the JMM government’s stability despite Hemant Soren's arrest.
Read also: 'NDA Family Welcomes You...', Jitan Ram Manjhi Posts for Champai Soren
Hemant Soren Granted Bail, Released from Jail (28 June 2024)
The 28th of June brought relief for former CM Hemant Soren as he was granted bail by the state's High Court in a land scam case and released from jail by evening. He had been incarcerated for five months. During a hearing on 13 June, both the ED and defense wrapped up their arguments, and the court reserved its decision, which was announced on 28 June.
What did former CM Champai Soren Say on Hemant Soren's Release?
In his statement to the media, then CM Champai Soren said, 'We have always said, Hemant Babu's name was not linked to the alleged land scam documents. We had full faith in the judiciary that justice would prevail.' When asked if Hemant's return would strengthen them in the upcoming elections, he replied, 'We received the mandate in his name before. We fought the 2019 elections in his name and will continue to do so. He is our party’s working president. Inside or outside, he remains strong.'
Source: aajtak
Threat to Champai Soren's CM Chair (3 July 2024)
It was first reported through sources that post-Hemant Soren’s release, he was ready to reclaim the CM chair, meaning Champai Soren would resign. A source revealed that the coalition leaders and MLAs decided to re-elect Hemant Soren as the JMM Legislative Party leader during a meeting at Champai’s residence.
Champai Soren Resigned at 8 PM (3 July 2024)
Sources reported that CM Champai Soren would resign around 8 PM on 3 July. He asked all coalition MLAs and ministers to be ready to visit the Raj Bhavan by 7 PM. The resignation was confirmed in the evening, and Hemant Soren was set to become the next CM. Champai Soren served as CM for 153 days.
What did Champai Soren Say After his Resignation?
After submitting his resignation, Champai Soren stated, 'I was made CM due to recent political circumstances. But post Hemant Soren's release, our coalition decided he should resume the CM position.'
Speculations About Champai Soren's Discontent (4 July 2024)
Post his resignation, there were speculations of Champai Soren’s discontent. Rumors circulated through social media and news sources, though there was no official confirmation. However, events on 18 August made it clear that the leader from the Kolhan region was indeed discontented since 3 July, but he never openly acknowledged it.
Source: aajtak
Speculations About Joining BJP (16 August 2024)
On Friday, there was a surge in political activity in Jharkhand. Reports emerged that former CM Champai Soren might rebel against Hemant Soren and the party and was in Delhi to meet BJP's top leadership. With assembly elections approaching, there were speculations about Champai Soren joining BJP.
What did Champai Soren Say About the Speculations (16 August 2024)
When asked about these rumors on Friday, Champai Soren smiled and simply said, 'You are asking such a question, but what should I say? I stand before you.' With that, he got into his car. Champai Soren had to resign from the CM position post-Hemant's release, sparking discussions about his discontent.
Champai Soren Communicated with BJP Leaders! (17 August 2024)
Sources indicated that Champai reached Kolkata on Saturday, and Delhi by Sunday noon. It’s believed he had phone conversations with senior BJP leaders and might soon have face-to-face meetings. He plans to stay in Delhi for three days. Besides Champai, 5-6 other JMM MLAs were also rumored to be in contact with BJP.
Champai Removed JMM from His Bio on X (18 August 2024)
After arriving in Delhi, several speculations arose. Champai Soren removed Jharkhand Mukti Morcha from his bio on social media platform X. His new bio only states Jharkhand's former CM.
Champai Soren's Open Dissent Against JMM (18 August 2024)
Longtime JMM leader and lieutenant Champai Soren has become disillusioned with his party. Accusing JMM of humiliating him, he made it clear that he is considering other options for his political future.
He alleges that he was ousted from power unceremoniously and that all his powers were frozen by his own party and Hemant Soren's close associates. An agenda-less meeting of the legislative party was called, and his resignation was ordered. His participation in events was restricted for three days. He decided he would either retire, form a parallel organization, or find a new path. In other words, he has made an unofficial announcement of leaving the party.
Source: aajtak
Impact of Champai Soren's Departure on the Government
However, his departure doesn't seem to impact the government immediately. In the 81-seat Jharkhand Assembly, there are 8 vacant seats, while JMM holds 26, Congress 16, and RJD 1 seat. CPI-ML’s MLA Vinod Singh also supports the ruling side, making 37 the majority number. In contrast, BJP holds 23, AJSU 3, NCP 1, and 2 independents are aligned with NDA, leaving Hemant's government apparently safe for now.
BJP Continues to Laud Champai Soren
BJP has consistently praised Champai Soren, emphasizing that he was mistreated by JMM. They highlight that he was ousted like 'a fly from milk,' crafting a narrative that JMM cannot even respect a tribal leader like Champai who has been loyal for decades.
Hemant Soren's Counterattack
In response, Hemant Soren hinted at Champai and BJP, accusing them of trying to destabilize the government with money. He claimed the election bell would ring soon and accused BJP of sowing discord among communities.
They have been trying to break homes and parties with money. JMM is resolute in continuing its governance, having a solid public presence since 2019.
Party spokesperson Manoj Pandey said that Champai Soren, despite being given significant responsibility in tough circumstances, was misled by BJP. Choosing him among many MLAs should be considered a huge honor.
JMM’s Accusations Against BJP
JMM has often accused BJP of trying to destabilize the government by using external leaders and central agencies. The party feels optimistic after Hemant Soren's bail from the High Court, which found no substantial evidence against him in the money laundering case.
They also received relief from the Supreme Court. If Champai joins BJP, JMM aims to campaign on these issues to garner sympathy votes, leveraging the earlier defeat of BJP in tribal-reserved parliamentary seats when Hemant was jailed.
BJP's Persistent Efforts to Woo Champai Soren
Champai, a prominent veteran leader, has been under BJP's eye since his ousting from power. JMM accuses BJP of sowing discord at homes and in the party. Reports suggest leaders like Shivraj Singh Chauhan and Himanta Biswa Sarma have been in contact with Champai. Although BJP leadership hasn't made any direct statements, spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo pointed out JMM's alleged authoritarianism.
