Champai Soren heads to delhi with six MLAs amid speculation of BJP defection

New Delhi, Aug 18 2024 :  Senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Champai Soren boarded an early flight to Delhi on Monday, fueling speculation that he may be preparing to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to sources, Soren was accompanied by six JMM MLAs, who have reportedly become unreachable since their departure. Champai Soren, known for his close ties with the influential Soren family, has been at the center of political intrigue in Jharkhand. Earlier this year, he was appointed Chief Minister of Jharkhand after Hemant Soren, the JMM chief, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31 in connection with an alleged land scam. However, Champai Soren’s tenure as Chief Minister was short-lived. He stepped down on July 3 after Hemant Soren was granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court and returned to his former position as the state’s leader. The sudden removal of Champai Soren from the Chief Minister’s post sparked rumors of discontent within the party, with many speculating that he was unhappy about being ousted to make way for Hemant Soren’s return. These rumors gained traction when sources revealed that Champai Soren has been in communication with several senior BJP leaders.

Last night, Soren was reportedly in Kolkata, where he met with Suvendu Adhikari, a prominent Bengal BJP leader. Sources also suggest that Soren has maintained ongoing contact with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, further fueling the speculation of a possible defection to the BJP. The JMM’s inability to establish contact with the six MLAs who accompanied Soren to Delhi has only added to the uncertainty and concern within the party ranks. The situation has left party members and political observers alike speculating about the potential implications of Soren’s actions on the political landscape in Jharkhand. Despite the swirling rumors, Champai Soren has publicly denied any intention of joining the BJP. In a statement on Saturday, he dismissed the speculation, saying, “I don’t know what rumors are being spread. I don’t know what news is being run, so I cannot tell whether it’s true or not. I don’t know anything about it… Hum jahan par hain vahi par hain (I am here only).”

As the situation continues to develop, all eyes remain on Champai Soren and the six MLAs, with the possibility of a significant political realignment in Jharkhand hanging in the balance.