Champai Soren may join BJP with 6 JMM MLAs: Reports
Former Jharkhand chief minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Champai Soren may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday along with six other party MLAs, according to reports. The MLAs are Chamra Linda, Dashrath Gagrai, Sameer Mohanty, Sukhram Uraon, Ramdas Soren, and Sanjeev Sardar. Champai reportedly flew to Delhi early this morning, accompanied by his personal staff, amid speculation of a BJP defection.
Soren's interactions with BJP leaders intensify speculation
On Thursday, Soren reportedly met with BJP leader Suvendhu Adhikari in Kolkata and has also been in regular contact with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a senior figure within the BJP. Lobin Hembrom, a former JMM MLA, told a media outlet that Champai is in contact with the BJP leadership, and that the time has come to reject parivarvaad or dynastic politics. Hembrom was recently banned as a JMM MLA under anti-defection law.
Champai dismisses rumors of joining BJP
In response to media reports suggesting his dissatisfaction with the JMM leadership, Champai has dismissed rumors of a potential switch to the BJP. The senior JMM leader stated on Saturday, "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." He emphasized his current position within the party saying, "Hum jahan par hain vahi par hain (I am here only)."
Soren's political journey and current role
Champai, a close associate of the Soren family, represents the Seraikella assembly constituency. He is currently serving as Jharkhand's Minister for Transport, Scheduled Tribes, and Scheduled Caste and Backward Class Welfare. He also holds the position of Vice-President within the JMM. His political career saw a brief stint as Chief Minister following Hemant Soren's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31 in an alleged land scam case.
BJP denies contact with JMM members
However, once Hemant was out on bail, Champai resigned as the CM and the former put forward the claim for forming government. This decision to reappoint Hemant was reportedly seen as an "insult" by the 67-year-old Champai, who temporarily took over the post following Hemant's resignation. Hemant was released from jail on bail by the Jharkhand High Court on June 28, after nearly five months of incarceration related to a land scam case.
