Champai Soren to Join BJP on Friday, Confirms Himanta Biswa SarmaFormer Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren arrived in Ranchi on Wednesday morning. On August 28, he officially resigned from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), stating, “The decision we have taken is in the interest of Jharkhand. We are fighters and will not back down.”
Soren announced, “On August 30, we will join the BJP. We will work according to the responsibilities assigned by the party and take steps to ensure both development and the protection of tribal existence in Jharkhand.”
Opposition Leader in the Assembly, Amar Kumar Bauri, remarked, “He is a significant figure and a senior leader. His joining will strengthen us, and we will work under BJP leadership to improve Jharkhand.”
Champai Soren met with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Delhi on August 28. Chouhan is also the election in-charge for Jharkhand.
Soren’s Alleged Surveillance:
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma held a press conference on Wednesday, accusing the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government of spying on Champai Soren. Sarma claimed that Delhi Police arrested two individuals involved in the surveillance. He added, “The names and photos of the individuals are with me, but I am not disclosing them publicly as they may be involved in other investigations.”
Earlier, on Monday night, Sarma had tweeted, “Champai Soren met with Home Minister Amit Shah earlier today. He will officially join BJP in Ranchi.”
Z Plus Security for Champai Soren:
Reports indicate that following his meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah on August 25, Champai Soren has been provided Z Plus security. He will be under this security cover upon arriving in Jharkhand. Soren had taken over as Chief Minister from Hemant Soren in January 2024 and served for five months before resigning on July 3, 2024.
On August 18, Champai Soren expressed his dissatisfaction with his resignation process through a letter, describing it as an affront to his dignity. On August 27, he announced his intention to join BJP on social media, stating that he was insulted in JMM and had only three options left: retire from politics, form a new organization, or align with another party.
Political Impact of Champai Soren’s Move:
Champai Soren, a senior leader in JMM and known as the “Kolhan Tiger” in Jharkhand’s Kolhan region, has significant influence over 14 assembly seats. His move to BJP could strengthen its hold in the Kolhan region.
- 2022: A photo of Hemant Soren seeking blessings from Champai Soren at a transport department event in Ranchi.
- July 3, 2024: A photo of Champai Soren resigning from the Chief Minister’s position. Hemant Soren subsequently claimed to form a new government.
Key Dates in Champai Soren’s Political Journey:
- August 21: Announced formation of a new political party, indicating that he was not retiring from politics but starting a new chapter.
- August 18: Expressed dissatisfaction with JMM through a letter, considering only three options for his future.
- August 18: Arrived in Delhi from Kolkata, indicating his final decision to join BJP.
During this period, there were internal tensions in JMM, but Chief Minister Hemant Soren managed to display party unity, assuring that legislators remained loyal to him.