Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM Vice-President Champai Soren announced on Tuesday that he would be joining the BJP, citing his admiration for the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Initially contemplating launching a new political party, Soren decided against it due to the limited time before the upcoming state assembly elections later this year.
Speculation about Soren’s political future ended after he met with Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday night, alongside his son Bablu Soren. The meeting was facilitated by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who confirmed that Soren would formally join the BJP in Ranchi on August 30. Soren, currently serving as Jharkhand’s Minister of Higher and Technical Education, is expected to resign from his ministerial post and JMM membership before the next cabinet meeting.
Reflecting on his decision, Soren mentioned that he initially considered retiring from politics but changed his mind due to public sentiment. He then contemplated forming a new political outfit but ultimately chose to align with the BJP, placing his trust in Modi and Shah’s leadership. Soren downplayed criticism from leaders of the INDIA bloc, stating that his struggles for the people of Jharkhand are well-known.
The BJP has warmly welcomed Soren, with party spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo expressing enthusiasm for his induction. Soren’s formal entry into the BJP will be overseen by Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Himanta Biswa Sarma. Amit Shah is expected to address a rally in Kharsawan in early September, where Soren will be officially introduced as a BJP leader ahead of the elections.
This move comes after Soren’s brief tenure as Jharkhand’s 12th Chief Minister and his subsequent resignation to pave the way for Hemant Soren’s return. Feeling sidelined within the JMM, Soren explored alternative political avenues before deciding to join the BJP, where he aims to continue his political journey.
