The decision for Hemant Soren’s return as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister was made by the state’s ruling coalition.
This move paves the way for Hemant Soren to resume office, following the resignation of his close associate, Champai Soren, just five months after assuming the role. Champai Soren, regarded as the third-ranking leader in Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), took office on February 2, shortly after Hemant Soren’s temporary removal due to an Enforcement Directorate arrest related to a land scam.
Hemant was subsequently granted bail on June 28 by the Jharkhand High Court, which found insufficient evidence of wrongdoing.
Champai Soren submitted his resignation to Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday evening.
Hemant Soren Set to Return as Jharkhand CM
Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren resigned on Wednesday, handing over his duties to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan. This clears the path for Hemant Soren to reclaim the role of Chief Minister, marking his third tenure.
The decision to change leadership in Jharkhand came after consensus among INDIA alliance MLAs and leaders earlier in the day. During a meeting at Champai Soren’s Ranchi residence, alliance leaders and MLAs unanimously chose Hemant Soren as the new JMM legislature party leader.
Also Read: Hemant Soren Released on Bail Amid Land Scam Controversy
Jharkhand Politics Shift
Champai Soren, a close associate of the Soren family, became Jharkhand’s Chief Minister five months ago following Hemant Soren’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged money laundering case related to a land acquisition issue.
Hemant spent five months in Birsa Munda Central Jail before being granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court on June 28.
There are discussions about appointing Champai Soren as the Chairman of the UPA coordination committee and as the working president of JMM.
During the INDIA bloc’s meeting, Congress’s Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir and state president Rajesh Thakur were present, along with Hemant Soren’s brother Basant and wife Kalpana.
Meanwhile, MP Nishikant Dubey hinted at a shift in Jharkhand’s political landscape, suggesting on X that the “Champai Soren era is over.”
In a dig at JMM, he remarked, “In this family-centric party, outsiders have no political future. I hope the Chief Minister takes cues from Bhagwan Birsa Munda and stands against the corruption under Hemant Soren ji.”
Champai Soren, aged 67 and a seasoned JMM leader, has been closely associated with party founder Shibu Soren, and later with his son Hemant Soren, for several decades.
JMM Coalition Government
Vinod Singh, the sole legislator from the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation, has pledged support to JMM. He attended the meeting where JMM’s general secretary and spokesperson confirmed that the governor is expected to invite Hemant for his oath-taking on Friday at Raj Bhawan.
Hemant Champai assumed leadership of the JMM-Congress-RJD coalition government on February 2. This followed the arrest of then Chief Minister Hemant on January 31 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges related to an alleged land scam in the state capital.
The decision to reinstate Hemant as leader comes after the JMM executive president was released on bail from the Jharkhand high court on June 28, following his arrest in the ED case.
Also Read: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren Missing
Hemant Soren Set to Return as Jharkhand CM FAQs
Q.1. Who is Hemant Soren?
Ans. Hemant is a prominent politician in Jharkhand and the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
Q.2. Why did Champai Soren resign?
Ans. Champai Soren resigned to pave the way for Hemant’s return as Chief Minister after legal clearance.
Q.3. What led to Hemant Soren’s temporary removal from office?
Ans. Hemant was temporarily removed due to an arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case.
Q.4. When did Hemant Soren regain leadership?
Ans. Hemant is set to resume office following his bail on June 28, after five months of legal proceedings.
Q.5. What is the significance of Vinod Singh’s support to JMM?
Ans. Vinod Singh’s support strengthens the JMM coalition government, ensuring stability in Jharkhand politics.
