Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren Denies Rumors of Joining BJP

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Champai Soren has dismissed rumors of him joining the BJP. He stated that he is unaware of any such claims and remains where he has always been.

Champai Soren said, “I don’t know what rumors are being spread. I don’t know what news is being spread so I cannot tell whether it’s true or not, I don’t know anything about it…Hum jahan par hain vahi par hain,” during a brief interaction with reporters on Saturday.

Champai Soren took oath as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on February 2 this year but resigned on July 3, a day before JMM executive president Hemant Soren took oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on July 4.

There has been intense speculation about Champai Soren’s future status, especially after Hemant Soren was arrested in connection with an alleged land scam case. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is the election co-incharge from the BJP, refused to give a firm indication on the speculations. He said, “No one is in touch with us yet. I am also hearing these reports from the channels. Champai Soren is a very senior leader, I do not want to make any informal comment about him.”

Last week, the BJP held a meeting of all its district heads, attended virtually by election in-charge and Union Minister Shivraj Chauhan, while Himanta Sarma and state BJP President Babulal Marandi attended in Ranchi. During the meeting, the BJP discussed its election strategies.

Former Jharkhand BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Deepak Prakash said on Saturday that the inclusion of Champai Soren in the party depends on the central leadership. He stated, “I have heard this in reports only. I don’t have any authentic information… He (Champai Soren) was serving Jharkhand as a good CM… Everything depends on the central leadership.” He further mentioned that the way Champai Soren was removed from the Chief Minister position was a setback.