Transport Minister Champai Soren has been elected as the JMM legislative party leader by the ruling alliance in Jharkhand, as confirmed by Rajesh Thakur, the state unit chief of Congress. This move paves the way for Soren to assume the role of chief minister in the state potentially.
Speculation Surrounding Hemant Soren
The decision comes amidst speculation surrounding the current chief minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, who is facing potential arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning a money laundering case related to an alleged land scam.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, appeared before a PMLA court in Ranchi today. The court reserved its decision on the agency’s custody request. Soren has appealed his arrest in the Supreme Court and will remain in jail overnight on Thursday.
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Champai Soren, aged 68, is a seven-time MLA representing the Seraikella constituency in Jharkhand. Born in November 1956 in Jilinggora village, Seraikela-Kharsawan district, he enrolled and was the father of seven children. Notably, he is unrelated to the Hemant Soren family.
Political Career:
Champai Soren began his political career as an Independent MLA before joining the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Currently serving as the minister of transport in the Jharkhand government, he played an active role in the movement for the separate statehood of Jharkhand. Known as the “Kolhan Tiger” for his prowess displayed during the statehood movement, Champai Soren enjoys widespread respect and friendships across political parties. He has a history as a trade union leader, successfully leading various trade movements in industrial towns like Jamshedpur and Adityapur.
A loyalist of JMM supremo Shibu Soren, Champai Soren’s rise to the position of JMM legislative party leader underscores his political acumen and influence.
It’s worth noting that the Kolhan division has contributed three chief ministers to the state thus far, including Arjun Munda, Madhu Koda, and Raghubar Das.
Objections Over Potential Candidacy
In another development, objections were raised over the potential candidacy of Hemant Soren’s wife, Kalpana, for the chief minister’s position. JMM MLA Sita Soren, Hemant Soren’s sister-in-law and widow of former chief minister Shibu Soren’s elder son Durga, questioned Kalpana Soren’s suitability for the role, citing her lack of political experience and absence as an MLA.
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