Will Champai Soren’s Defection to the BJP Shake Jharkhand’s Political Landscape?
The Jharkhand government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is currently in a state of uncertainty. Senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and former Chief Minister Champai Soren has journeyed to Delhi amidst swirling rumors that he might align with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Champai Soren later claimed he felt ‘humiliated’ by the JMM, leaving him with three options: retire, form a new party, or switch allegiances.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren quickly responded, accusing the BJP of trying to “poach” MLAs and create societal divisions. This political drama unfolds as Jharkhand prepares for assembly elections later this year. The current assembly’s term ends on January 5, 2025, and a new government must be in place.
In the 2019 assembly elections, the JMM secured 30 out of 81 seats, while the BJP won 25 and the Congress took 16. The JMM later formed a coalition with the Congress and RJD, leading to Hemant Soren becoming Chief Minister and replacing the BJP government led by Raghubar Das.
Tensions have been brewing within the JMM since Champai Soren’s resignation as Chief Minister on July 3, just a day before Hemant Soren’s second swearing-in on July 4. This followed Hemant Soren’s release from jail on June 28, where he had been held in connection with a money-laundering case.
In the recent 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won eight seats, while the JMM increased its tally from one to three. The Congress, a JMM ally, won two seats, and AJSU, a BJP ally, secured one. Despite this, Champai Soren’s departure from the JMM may only immediately threaten Hemant Soren’s government if he takes MLAs.
The Jharkhand assembly currently has 73 members, and eight seats are vacant. The JMM holds 26 seats, the Congress has 16, and the RJD has one, while CPI(ML) MLA Vinod Singh is also part of the ruling alliance. The opposition consists of the BJP with 23 seats, AJSU with three, NCP with one, and two Independents supporting the NDA.
While Champai Soren’s potential switch to the BJP might not immediately destabilize Hemant Soren’s government, it could significantly influence the upcoming elections. The BJP has criticized the JMM, alleging that it disrespects tribal leaders. Historically, the BJP has faced challenges in tribal regions, losing significant ground in the 2024 Lok Sabha and 2019 assembly polls.
The JMM has reportedly tried to reconcile in response to Champai Soren’s dissatisfaction. Champai, known as ‘Jharkhand’s Tiger‘ for his role in the state’s formation, had served as a critical minister before his brief tenure as Chief Minister.
With speculation swirling, the BJP has embraced Champai Soren. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi offer support and welcome him into the NDA family.
