Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren joins BJP boosting party’s tribal base ahead of assembly elections

Soren, who was once a close aide to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supremo Shibu Soren, resigned from the JMM earlier this week, citing dissatisfaction with the state government's functioning and policies. He expressed that these issues compelled him to leave the party he had served for many years.

Written by FE News Desk

August 30, 2024 17:07 IST

Champai Soren joins BJP to defend tribal identity amid Bangladeshi infiltration claims

Champai Soren Leaves JMM, Joins BJP in a Major Political Shift in Jharkhand. (Image: PTI)

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday. The 67-year-old tribal leader’s move is seen as a significant boost to the BJP’s efforts to strengthen its connection with the Scheduled Tribes, a key voter base in the state.

Soren’s induction into the BJP took place in Ranchi, where he was welcomed by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with a large number of his supporters.

Soren, who was once a close aide to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) supremo Shibu Soren, resigned from the JMM earlier this week, citing dissatisfaction with the state government’s functioning and policies. He expressed that these issues compelled him to leave the party he had served for many years.

Popularly known as the ‘Kolhan Tiger,’ Champai Soren has had a remarkable political journey. Born in the remote village of Jilinggora in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, he rose from working in the fields with his father to become the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand in February, following Hemant Soren’s resignation amid legal troubles.

However, Champai Soren’s tenure as Chief Minister was short-lived. He resigned after just five months, citing “bitter humiliation” from the party. His decision to leave the JMM and join the BJP reflects his deep disillusionment, which he shared on social media, highlighting the emotional toll of the experience.

Champai Soren’s political career began in 1991 when he was elected as an Independent MLA from the Seraikela seat in undivided Bihar. He later joined the JMM, winning multiple elections and serving in various capacities, including as a cabinet minister in both BJP and JMM governments.

As the BJP looks to strengthen its position in Jharkhand, particularly among the tribal electorate, Champai Soren’s defection is seen as a strategic move. His influence in the tribal belt could prove crucial for the BJP, especially after its disappointing performance in the 2019 Assembly elections, where it won only two of the 28 ST reserved seats in the state.