Ex-Jharkhand CM Champai meets Shah, to join BJP on Friday
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Champai Soren is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday, according to an announcement by Himanta Biswa Sarma in a late-night post on X. Sarma praised Champai as a "distinguished adivasi leader of the country." Notably, the 67-year-old, who stepped down as CM to make way for Hemant Soren after his release from jail, recently accused his party of disrespect.
Why does this story matter?
To recall, Champai took office as the CM on February 2, following the resignation and subsequent arrest of then-CM Hemant in a money-laundering case. However, his term was cut short when Hemant was released from jail and re-elected as the JMM's legislature party leader on July 3, after which Champai resigned. Recently, Champai hinted at his growing dissatisfaction with the JMM leadership, particularly after his government initiatives were canceled by party leaders without his consent.
What Soren said last week
On August 21, Champai announced that he is forming a new political party. "I had mentioned three options...retirement, organization, or friend. I will not retire...I will strengthen the party, a new party...if I meet a good friend ...then will move ahead with them," Champai told reporters, leaving open the possibility of future alliances. This announcement had come amid speculations about him joining the BJP after his trip to New Delhi.
Sarma shares post announcing date of official induction
Last night, Sarma, the BJP's election in-charge for the state, expressed his desire for Champai to join the party and bolster their ranks. A few hours later, the deal was sealed, with Sarma sharing a picture of Champai meeting Home Minister Amit Shah and announcing the date of his official induction. This development comes as Jharkhand prepares for assembly elections later this year, with the current assembly's tenure ending on January 5, 2025.
