Just five days after his release from jail, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is set to preside over a crucial meeting of INDIA bloc legislators on Wednesday. Soren, who serves as the executive president of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was granted bail by the high court on June 28 in a money laundering case linked to a land scam.
Focus on Assembly Elections
According to a Congress MLA, who preferred to remain anonymous, party members were instructed to attend the meeting in preparation for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections. The meeting is deemed essential for strategizing for the polls scheduled later this year.
Strategic discussions expected
JMM Minister Mithilesh Kumar confirmed that the gathering aims to devise strategies for the forthcoming elections. Additionally, there is speculation that leadership issues may be addressed, particularly since Champai Soren, a close associate of Hemant Soren, took over state responsibilities following Soren's arrest.
Agenda and attendees
JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey stated that the meeting would focus on "political developments" in the state. Attendees are expected to include Chief Minister Champai Soren, Hemant Soren's brother and minister Basant Soren, and his wife Kalpana Soren, who recently won a by-election for the Gandey seat.
Soren's post-release rally
In his first public rally after his release, Hemant Soren accused the BJP of planning to advance the assembly elections in Jharkhand. He also declared a "rebellion" against "feudal forces," asserting that the opposition INDIA bloc aims to oust the BJP from power across the country.
Background on Soren's arrest
Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 31 in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged land scam. His upcoming leadership at the INDIA bloc meeting marks a significant step in his political journey post-release.
Also read | 'BJP will never allow Dalits, Adivasis supporters to live in peace': Jharkhand CM Champai Soren
