The political landscape in Jharkhand is currently in turmoil. Veteran tribal leader and former Chief Minister Champai Soren has bid farewell to the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and is poised to join the BJP today. This development has put Hemant Soren's JMM in a precarious position. On one hand, the exit of a prominent leader like Champai Soren is a significant loss. On the other hand, there is a pressing need to reassure the large tribal community in the Kolhan region. JMM has quickly filled the gap by preparing to bring forward Ramdas Soren, the MLA from Ghatsila.
This morning at 11 AM, Ramdas Soren took the oath as Cabinet Minister at the Raj Bhavan. He steps into the role previously occupied by Champai Soren, thereby becoming the twelfth minister in Hemant's cabinet. The ministerial post had been vacant following Champai's resignation. After receiving a call from the Chief Minister's Office on Thursday, Ramdas Soren promptly arrived in Ranchi and met with party leaders. He is considered a close associate of Champai Soren. By appointing Ramdas, Hemant has not only taken a significant step to quell dissent but also aimed to maintain support among the Santhal tribal community.
Hemant's Strategic Move to Secure Santhal Support
According to analysts, Hemant Soren's primary focus is to maintain the party's stronghold in the Kolhan area. He is well aware of Champai's influence in this region, being a Santhal leader with 44 years of experience, ranging from a party worker to a chief minister. This explains why Hemant has remained silent on Champai's defection and subsequent breakup. Champai is a seasoned politician, and Hemant is keenly observing his next moves. There is a concern that Champai's rebellion could benefit the BJP while harming the JMM in Kolhan. Hence, Hemant has strategically appointed Ramdas Soren, also from the Santhal community, as minister.
Ramdas Soren Seen as the Solution to Champai's Exit
Experts believe that JMM has made robust preparations for damage control. By making Ramdas Soren a Cabinet Minister, they have not only given importance to the East Singhbhum district but also started working on plans to sustain their influence in the Kolhan region. This move is seen as a counter to Champai. Following the cabinet expansion, Ramdas will be assigned all the departments previously managed by Champai. The party also plans to strengthen its vote bank in Kolhan through Ramdas. Whether this strategy proves beneficial or damaging to JMM will become clear after the elections.
Champai's Influential Presence in Kolhan
Ramdas Soren is the MLA from Ghatsila, located in East Singhbhum district, part of the Kolhan division. Kolhan includes the three districts of East Singhbhum, Seraikela Kharsawan, and West Singhbhum. These districts cover 14 assembly seats where Champai has a notable influence. Currently, JMM lacks a major leader in this area to replace Champai. Champai's organizational skills have consistently benefitted Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. In the 2020 elections, JMM won 11 out of 14 seats in Kolhan, while its ally Congress won two seats, leaving one to independent candidate Saryu Roy. The BJP failed to secure any seats, even losing the constituency of then-Chief Minister Raghubar Das.
This explains why the BJP has been seeking a strong tribal leader in the Kolhan region. Champai's entry into the BJP could not only strengthen their grip on these 14 seats but also initiate a winning streak. Champai had previously been part of the NDA government, serving as Cabinet Minister from September 2010 to January 2013 and as Transport and Welfare Minister in 2019. The Raj Bhavan accepted Champai Soren's resignation from the ministerial post on Thursday.
Who is Ramdas Soren?
Ramdas Soren hails from the Santhal community and serves as the district president for JMM in East Singhbhum. He has been actively involved in the separate state movement and has experienced multiple imprisonments. In 2005, Ramdas ran as an independent candidate but lost to Congress nominee Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu. Subsequently, in 2009, he contested from the Ghatsila assembly seat on a JMM ticket and won by 1,192 votes, defeating Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu. However, in the 2014 elections, Ramdas faced defeat at the hands of BJP’s Laxman Tudu by 6,403 votes. In the 2020 elections, Ramdas sought revenge by defeating Laxman Tudu and securing his place in the assembly for a second time. Although JMM formed the government, Ramdas did not initially secure a cabinet position due to Champai Soren's prominence in the Kolhan area, which led to Champai's appointment as a Cabinet Minister in Hemant Soren's government.
