Hemant Soren Returns as Jharkhand CM Post Incarceration
On Wednesday, Champai Soren resigned from the position of Chief Minister of Jharkhand and submitted his resignation to the state Governor at Raj Bhavan. Accompanied by leaders and MLAs from the JMM-led alliance, Champai proceeded to Raj Bhavan. Former CM Hemant Soren met the governor thereafter and asserted his claim to form the government, preparing to take oath as the next Chief Minister.
In January, Hemant Soren resigned as Chief Minister before the Enforcement Directorate arrested him in a money laundering case. He obtained bail last week, with the Jharkhand High Court stating there are grounds to believe he is ‘not guilty of the alleged offense.’ Soren has refuted all accusations.
Jharkhand CM Champai Soren tenders resignation to Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi.
JMM Executive President Hemant Soren stakes claim to form Government. pic.twitter.com/uZqvSH2jpj
— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2024
After appointing me as Chief Minister a few days ago and entrusting me with the state’s responsibilities, our alliance decided to reinstate Hemant Soren as our leader. Now, I have formally resigned from the position of Chief Minister,’ Champai informed reporters following his resignation.
Sources have indicated discontent from Champai, who assumed the Chief Minister’s role after Hemant Soren’s resignation, regarding the decision to replace him. Sources indicate that Champai may receive an appointment as JMM’s executive president. It is expected that he will submit his resignation at 8 pm.
During a meeting at Champai Soren’s residence today, leaders of the ruling coalition agreed on Hemant Soren’s return. The meeting included Congress’ Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir, state president Rajesh Thakur, and Hemant wife and MLA Kalpana Soren.
Champai, aged 67, has been a veteran leader of the JMM, serving alongside party founder Shibu Soren and Hemant Soren’s father for decades. Previously, he held a cabinet minister position in the Hemant Soren government.