Jharkhand politics: Amid speculation that JMM MLAs, including Champai Soren, might join the BJP, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using money to divide families and parties. He also alleged that the BJP purchases MLAs, and because of the influence of money, leaders can switch side swiftly and easily without much hesitation.
The Chief Minister's remark came amid strong buzz that Champai Soren may switch sides ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly election. The sources said he is likely to join rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The political development is crucial as the Assembly election is due in Jharkhand this year.
Election Commission is tool of BJP: Soren
Addressing a Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Mainiya Samman Yojana (JMMSY) programme in Pakur district, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader criticised the Election Commission, alleging that it has become an institution of the BJP rather than a constitutional body. Soren challenged the BJP to hold elections immediately, suggesting that the results would favour his party and result in a decisive victory.
"The election bell is about to ring in the state very soon. The timing of these elections is known only to our opponents, the BJP. The Election Commission is no longer a constitutional body, it has become an institution of the BJP. We challenge them to hold the elections today, and by tomorrow, they will have to be cleaned up and sent to Gujarat," he said.
Taking a jab at Champai Soren and the BJP, he said, "They bring people from Gujarat, Assam, and Maharashtra to sow discord among tribals, Dalits, backward communities, and minorities, causing them to fight amongst themselves. Beyond just creating societal rifts, they also disrupt families and break apart parties. They buy off MLAs regularly, and because money holds such sway, leaders can switch sides quickly and easily. Despite these tactics, our INDIA alliance government has been steadfastly serving the people since 2019."
Ex-CM Champai Soren, several other JMM MLAs likely to join BJP
Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren is likely to join the BJP ahead of upcoming Assembly elections in the state, sources said. Soren, who is currently serving as a minister in the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government, is reportedly in contact with BJP leaders. According to sources, political circles are abuzz with speculation that former Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Lobin Hembrom may also join the BJP along with Soren.
However, after reaching Delhi airport, he said he had no plane to go anywhere. "Hum abhi jahan hain wahin par hain (I am where I am)," he asserted when he was asked about his plan to join the BJP. He said he had come to Delhi for personal reasons and would meet his daughter.
In July, Champai Soren, along with 10 other leaders of the JMM-led coalition took oath as ministers in the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand.
Champai had resigned from the post of CM on July 3, a day before JMM executive president Hemant Soren took oath as the 13th chief minister of Jharkhand on July 4. Hemant Soren was released from jail on June 28 after the Jharkhand High Court granted bail to him in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. He had resigned as the CM shortly before his arrest on January 31 by the Enforcement Directorate.
(Input: Mukesh)
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