In Jharkhand, political activity remains in a state of uncertainty as the state gears up for Assembly elections. In spite of all the attempts made by the BJP to overthrow the Hemant Soren government, it continues to firmly remain in power, without any signs of instability. Nonetheless, the events and statements from the recent past of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) veteran Champai Soren have added a new dimension to the issue.
Champai Soren’s Uncertain Future
Champai Soren, one of the important leaders of the JMM, who returned to Ranchi through Kolkata from New Delhi, stunned everyone on Wednesday with his comments. Previously, he had talked about retiring from politics, but now he spoke of taking on a new role. In a political rally in Saraikela Kharsawan, he said that he might join a new party or align with those friends who have respect for the diverse culture and tradition of the Jharkhand region.
Champai’s change of sides has attracted a lot of speculation. On Sunday, he tweeted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that he is ‘ashamed’ as the JMM leadership asked him to resign from his post in July, after becoming the Chief Minister for only a short while. This sparked speculation that Champai could be on his way to the BJP, with reports of him having meetings with BJP leaders in Delhi and Kolkata. However, Champai later clarified that he was weighing three options: early retirement, establishing his own political party, or joining another political party.
BJP’s Tepid Response
However, contrary to belief, it seems that the Jharkhand BJP is not very keen to induct Champai into its party. The party, which has several other leaders with ambitions of becoming the Chief Minister, has not been eager to give the JMM veteran a place. Adding to the rumors, Babulal Marandi, the BJP’s Jharkhand state president, denied the information by affirming that no such conversations occurred between the parties.
On Wednesday, Champai spoke to his supporters and narrated how he felt about being out of the game. Initially, he had thought of retiring from politics, but while returning from Kolkata the day before, thousands of his supporters gathered, and this changed his mind. He said that he would not retire and mentioned that he may establish his own party or form an alliance with those who think like him.
Unresolved Questions and Political Strategy
Champai has recently given several statements that will create many questions, especially related to his purpose. He has not officially resigned from the Hemant Soren Cabinet even though he publicly claims to have done so. This has resulted in high expectations of the possibility of Champai using it as an opportunity to destabilize the JMM while holding a comfortable office position.
One JMM leader who has been residing in Ranchi said, “If Champai wants to form his own party, why is he not resigning from the cabinet? He is enjoying all the facilities that being a cabinet minister brings and, at the same time, putting pressure on the JMM and using this as a tool to bargain.”
However, there are some sources in the government who suggested that the incumbent ethnic politician Champai is trying to confuse the JMM cadres and may be offering tickets to some people. “Champai is telling some of the unhappy party workers that he will provide them tickets. At the same time, people from Champai’s side are going to Hemant Soren’s camp,” added the insider.
Hemant Soren’s Calculated Silence
In this context, everyone’s hope is pinned on Hemant Soren, the incumbent Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Up to this point, he has avoided commenting on the matter, and everyone is waiting to find out how he will deal with what seems like a rebellion from Champai. But one of the government sources hinted that perhaps Hemant is purposely restraining himself, not wanting to put Champai in a victim position. “Hemant Soren trusted Champai to lead the state when Hemant was in jail. So, it would not be wise for Hemant to criticize him just yet and make him a victim,” said the source.
Champai assumed the CM office in February after Hemant Soren’s resignation due to his arrest in a money laundering case. Hemant was released on bail in June, but the siphoning of power back to him from Champai was said to be quite uncomfortable; the JMM old guard was visibly annoyed over the development.
Champai was hesitant to accept the offer to join BJP when asked by reporters in Delhi on Sunday, stating that he was in Delhi for personal business. “Aur hum jahan hain, wahin par rahenge (And will remain where I am),” he said but was quick to keep everyone guessing about his next course of action.
The Assembly elections are knocking at the door, and things are far from clear on Jharkhand’s political map, especially with the moves of Champai Soren. Whether he will start his own party, join BJP, or continue in the JMM is not yet clear. Still, the strategies he has adopted have certainly injected a fresh element of uncertainty into Jharkhand’s politics, both for his friends and foes. The next year will be very defining for the political direction of the state as political parties prepare for what is expected to be a keenly contested election.
News Source: The Indian Express
