Ranchi/New Delhi: The political landscape in Jharkhand has been shaken following a dramatic turn of events involving Champai Soren.
Two weeks ago, Soren, staying in Delhi, took to social media to express his deep anguish, stating he felt “humiliated and ridiculed” within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). This emotional outburst fueled rumors about his potential defection to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
And, it became a reality on Saturday as he joins the BJP.
Dubbed “Jharkhand’s Tiger” for his crucial role in the state’s fight for independence, Soren became the Chief Minister on February 2 after Hemant Soren resigned and was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering scandal. Champai Soren’s tenure was short-lived; he stepped down on July 3, paving the way for Hemant Soren’s return to office after securing bail on July 4.
On Wednesday, Champai Soren penned a heartfelt letter to JMM chief Shibu Soren, explaining that he had to resign due to his dissatisfaction with the current functioning and policies of the party. “I never thought I would leave JMM, a party that is like family to me,” he lamented. “But recent events have forced me to make this painful decision. I am deeply hurt to say that the party has strayed from its core principles.”
Champai Soren’s discontent led him to New Delhi, where he reportedly met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to announce his intention to join the BJP. On Tuesday, he declared his decision to switch sides, citing a need to safeguard tribal identity and existence, which he claimed is threatened by unchecked infiltration from Bangladesh in Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region.
He argued that these infiltrators are causing economic and social distress among local communities, warning, “If this issue is not addressed, the existence of our society in Santhal Pargana will be in danger.” He further alleged that in regions like Pakur and Rajmahal, the number of infiltrators has surpassed that of the indigenous tribal population.
As he contemplates his next political move, Champai Soren has signaled an openness to exploring all available options, hinting at the beginning of a new chapter in his political journey.
Born on November 11, 1956, in Jilingora village, Seraikela-Kharsawan district, Soren started his political career in 1991 as an Independent MLA, winning a by-election in Saraikela. He solidified his political standing by securing the seat again in 1995 as a JMM candidate and went on to defeat BJP’s Panchu Tudu in the 1999 assembly elections, marking his rise within Jharkhand’s political arena.
