Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren Shuts Down Rumors of Joining BJP

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren has put an end to the speculations surrounding his potential shift to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The senior Jharkhand Mukta Morcha (JMM) leader has dismissed the news as mere rumors and emphatically stated that he is not going anywhere.

Addressing reporters, Champai Soren said, “I don’t know what rumors are being spread. I don’t know what news is circulating, so I cannot confirm whether it’s true or not. I don’t have any knowledge about it… I am where I am.”

Responding to questions about leaving JMM for the saffron party, Soren reiterated that he has no awareness of such rumors and reiterated that “he is where he was.”

Champai Soren assumed office as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on February 2, 2024, succeeding Hemant Soren. Following Hemant Soren’s bail in a money laundering case, Champai Soren resigned from the CM post on July 3. Hemant Soren then took oath as the 13th Chief Minister on July 4.

Assam CM Himanta Sarma’s Response

Amid Champai Soren’s silence on the matter, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma refrained from making any informal comments about the situation. Sarma emphasized the need for clarity, stating, “No one has reached out to us yet. Champai Soren is a respected leader, and I prefer not to offer any informal remarks regarding him.”

Jharkhand Legislative Assembly Elections

The Jharkhand legislative assembly elections are scheduled for November and December this year. As parties gear up for the polls, including BJP, JMM, and others, strategic preparations are underway.

Last week, BJP organized a meeting with district heads, attended virtually by election in-charge and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Key BJP figures like Himanta Sarma and Babulal Marandi also participated.

Former Jharkhand BJP President Deepak Prakash emphasized that the decision to include Soren in the party would rest with the central leadership. He stated, “I have only heard about this through reports. Champai Soren has been a commendable CM for Jharkhand… The final call lies with the central leadership.”