Jharkhand ex-CM Champai announces plan to float new political party
What's the story
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren announced on Wednesday that he is forming a new political party. This comes amid escalating tensions within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the party where Champai has spent the majority of his political career. "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.
Future plans
No problem in forming new political party: Soren
When reminded that he has limited time to launch a new party before the upcoming state elections, Soren responded, "That's not your problem." He further asserted, "When 30,000-40,000 workers can arrive within a day, then what problem will I have in forming a new (political party)?" Soren confidently added that the new party would be established within a week.
Political discontent
Champai's CM tenure cut short
To recall, Champai took office as the CM on February 2, following the resignation and subsequent arrest of then-CM Hemant Soren 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. Champai's decision to establish a new political party comes after what he described as "bitter humiliation" during his time as Jharkhand's chief minister.
Internal conflict
Champai's dissatisfaction with JMM leadership
In the days leading up to this announcement, Champai hinted at his growing dissatisfaction with the JMM leadership, particularly after his government initiatives were canceled by party leaders without his consent. He explained that he remained silent because he wasn't "greedy for power," but his self-respect had been wounded. "After so much humiliation, I was forced to look for an alternative path," Champai shared in a social media post.
Speculations
Rumors over Champai's impending shift to BJP
Notably, Champai visited Delhi on Sunday sparking rumors that he is joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi on Monday said no discussions had yet taken place with Champai regarding his potential switch to the BJP. "No talk was held yet with Champai Soren. He is a seasoned politician and has been part of the separate Jharkhand movement. He will himself decide his own path," Marandi had said.