Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren announced on Wednesday, 21st August, that he plans to form a new political party ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections later this year. Despite speculation about his possible retirement, Soren made it clear that he has no intention of stepping away from politics and is keeping his options open for potential alliances.
This announcement comes just days after Soren, a senior leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), shared a lengthy post expressing his deep dissatisfaction with the way he was removed from the Chief Minister’s position. Soren was initially appointed as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand after Hemant Soren, the current Chief Minister and JMM leader, resigned due to his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a land scam case. However, after Hemant Soren was granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court, he returned to the position of Chief Minister, replacing Champai Soren in a move that left the latter feeling humiliated.
VIDEO | Former Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren (@ChampaiSoren) announces to float a new political party, and also keeps doors open for alliance.
"I had mentioned three options – retirement, organisation or friend. I will not retire; I will strengthen the party, a new… pic.twitter.com/LfQABpo6Lh
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 21, 2024
Champai Soren has openly stated that this experience was a significant blow to his self-respect and hinted at leaving the JMM. In his earlier statement, he mentioned considering three possible paths for his future: retirement, forming a new political party, or joining an existing party.
When addressing reporters on Wednesday, Champai Soren emphasized that he has ruled out retirement and is committed to strengthening a new political party. He also hinted that he might consider forming alliances with other parties, saying, “I had mentioned three options – retirement, organisation, or friend. I will not retire; I will strengthen the party, a new party, and if I meet a good friend on the way, then will move ahead with them.”
When asked by a reporter about the limited time left to establish a new political party before the state elections, Soren confidently replied, “That’s not your problem.” He further elaborated, “When 30,000-40,000 workers can arrive within a day, then what problem will I have in forming a new (political party).” Soren assured that more details would be revealed within a week.
Earlier on Sunday, Soren visited Delhi, sparking rumors that he might join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, these speculations were quickly put to rest when Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi clarified that there had been no discussions between Soren and the BJP about a potential switch. Marandi commented, “No talk was held yet with Champai Soren. He is a seasoned politician and has been part of the separate Jharkhand movement. He will himself decide his own path.”
As the state assembly elections approach, Champai Soren’s decision to form a new political party could significantly impact the political landscape in Jharkhand. All eyes will be on Soren as he moves forward with his plans in the coming weeks.
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