In a significant political development, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Champai Soren, has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His induction into the party was met with enthusiastic support from BJP leaders, with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan lauding Soren as “the tiger of Jharkhand.”
Speaking at a press conference in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan emphasized the importance of Soren’s move, stating, “He (Champai Soren) is the tiger of Jharkhand… The public respects him.” Chouhan highlighted Soren’s influence and credibility in Jharkhand, suggesting that his decision to join the BJP was motivated by a desire to “save Jharkhand” from its current political situation.
Chouhan didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the party Champai Soren was previously affiliated with. He remarked, “JMM bas pati-patni ki party ban kar reh gayi hai,” implying that the party has become a mere family affair, dominated by a husband-wife duo. This statement is seen as a direct dig at the leadership of JMM, particularly at its current leadership under Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Champai Soren’s nephew, and his wife.
Champai Soren’s switch to the BJP marks a notable shift in Jharkhand’s political landscape, as he has been a prominent figure in the state’s politics for decades. His departure from the JMM, a party deeply rooted in the tribal identity of Jharkhand, could have significant ramifications for the political dynamics in the state.
The BJP, which has been working to expand its influence in Jharkhand, sees Soren’s entry as a major boost to its efforts. With his extensive experience and deep connections within the tribal communities, Champai Soren is expected to play a crucial role in bolstering the party’s presence in the state.
As the political temperature in Jharkhand rises, the coming months will reveal how this development impacts the state’s political equations. For now, Champai Soren’s transition to the BJP is being celebrated by party leaders as a victory, while the JMM faces the challenge of countering this narrative and maintaining its stronghold in the region.
