Hemant Soren to reclaim Chief Minister post as Champai Soren resigns

Hemant Soren is set to return as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and the RJD alliance elected him as their leader, paving the way for his reinstatement.

Hemant Soren resigned as Chief Minister in January after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate for money laundering. The Jharkhand High Court granted him bail last Thursday, stating that there was reason to believe he was “not guilty of the offence as alleged.” Soren has repeatedly refuted the claims.

However, the transition is not without internal conflict. Champai Soren, who assumed the Chief Minister role after Hemant Soren’s resignation, is reportedly unhappy with the decision to replace him. Sources indicate that Champai Soren, feeling “insulted” by the move, may be named the JMM’s executive president and is expected to resign at 8 PM.

Champai Soren’s Reaction and Expected Resignation

During a JMM legislature party meeting, Champai Soren expressed his dissatisfaction, but the party proceeded to appoint Hemant Soren as its legislature party leader. Champai Soren is likely to submit his resignation to the Governor, initiating Hemant Soren’s return to the Chief Minister’s office.

The decision was made during a meeting in Champai Soren’s home, attended by major players such as Congress’ Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir, state president Rajesh Thakur, and Hemant Soren’s wife and MLA Kalpana Soren. Speculation regarding a leadership transition increased after Chief Minister Champai Soren’s big activities were canceled today.

With elections approaching, the JMM is positioning Hemant Soren as its primary candidate, but the move to replace Champai Soren is expected to give the Opposition BJP ammunition. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey commented on social media that the “Champai Soren era is over in Jharkhand,” criticizing the JMM for its dynastic politics.

Champai Soren, 67, a veteran JMM leader and long-time associate of party founder Shibu Soren, has previously served as a cabinet minister in Hemant Soren’s government.

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