Champa Soren Chief Minister of Jharkhand submits his resignation to the Governor.
The senior leader of JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) Champa Soren resigned as Chief Minister of Jharkhand on Wednesday July 03. This came to effect after Hemant Soren, the predecessor of Champa Soren was released on bail on June 28th.
The former was transferred to jail in January this year by ED for an alleged land scam where the accused acquired 8.86 acres of land immorally which is worth more than 30 crores, followed by the pre-resignation of the accused from the Chief Minister’s post.
In his official statement, Chief Minister Champai Soren affirmed that “The alliance has decided to choose Hemant Babu (Hemant Soren) as the leader. I have voluntarily resigned from my position.” Shortly after his announcement, Champai Soren submitted his resignation to the Governor C.P.Radhakrishna. Hemant Soren along with the alliance party leaders met the Governor on the evening of July 3rd in Ranchi, wherein all leaders and legislators of INDIA bloc allies in meeting with a unanimous decision elected Hemant Soren to take over as the CM of Jharkhand which was perceived as a key step in the political process.
When questioned about the swearing-in, the JMM executive president cryptically stated that “Everything will be revealed shortly”. This statement was made in response to the leaders and legislators of the coalition reaching an agreement at a meeting held at Champai Soren’s residence to appoint Hemant Soren as the JMM legislature party leader, according to party sources. However, the exact details of the swearing-in ceremony were not disclosed at the time.
A spokesperson for the party declared that the decision to appoint Champai Soren as the leader was a strategic move to maintain stability within the government.The party wanted to avoid any potential disruption to the functioning of the government, as the election results had given the grand alliance led by Hemant Soren a clear majority in the 2019 elections. However, initial hesitancy was observed from Champai Soren, as he was reluctant to take the position in light of Hemant Soren’s release and the possibility of further governmental instability. Eventually, Champai Soren was convinced, and he agreed to relinquish the leadership position.
The JMM led INDIA bloc strength in the 81-member Jharkhand State Assembly, after the recently held Lok Sabha poll now stands at 45 from the 47. The
The Assembly break-up is: 27 of the JMM; 17, Congress; and 1, RJD.
Accordingly, the State Assembly’s strength of the BJP is 24, which supports
two of its legislators, of course, to the Lok Sabha fact. Dhulu Mahto of Baghmara of Dhanbad and
Manish Jaiswal of Hazaribagh was elected as party MPs. Two of the 27 JMM MLAs, namely, Nalin Soren and Joba Majhi, have been elected as Lok Sabha representatives. And the lone legislator, Sita.
In response BJP spokesperson Vinay Singh stated that It was clear that once a dynasty, always be a dynasty. The short-lived transition of power to Champai Soren was nothing but a face created to look democratic.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sharma took to X and stated in his post:“The
junking of a elderly tribal leader from the post of Chief Minister by the JMM
and the Congress is deeply distressing. ”
However the government under Champai had taken a set back due certain missteps and hence JMM with majority agreement and backing decided on Hemant Soren’s take over.
The Enforcement Directorate has made plans to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s decision to grant bail to Hemant Soren.
