Champai Soren, once a close aide of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, was left devastated when his decisions were overturned by some party workers and his programmes as CM were cancelled at the behest of some ‘overpowering’ figure in JMM.

Champai Soren took to X on Sunday and made some shocking revelations on how he was slighted and subjected to ridicule in the party, and what made him ‘dissociate’ from party affairs and chart his own course.

His revelations, coming in the wake of strong buzz over a possible switchover to BJP, only goes to show how the family-led party ‘prevailed’ over the CM’s Chair in Jharkhand.

Recalling a legislative party meet, Champai Soren said, “The Chief Minister has the mandate to call a legislative party meeting but the irony is that I wasn’t even aware of the agenda of the meet despite being at the helm. I was directed to submit my resignation (after Hemant Soren’s release from jail). I was aghast and shocked at such directive coming from people with no authority. As I didn’t have any attachment to the Chair, I quickly tendered my resignation.”

“However, the incident deeply hurt me and my self-respect,” he added.

“For the past three days, I have been slighted and snubbed by the JMM leadership. Despite dedicating my entire life for the party, I am being treated like a baggage,” he said.

The senior leader also said that he was heartbroken over the episode but couldn’t turn to anyone as the party supremo (Shibu Soren, Hemant Soren’s father) is no longer active in politics.

“I was very hurt but didn’t share my pain with anyone. There are many instances when some people intentionally put me down and tried to belittle my contributions. I am forced to look for places where I can find my self-respect,” he said.

Champai Soren also wrote that it was after the legislative party meet that he decided his future course of action.

“I told the meeting that I will shut my past and turn a new page in my life. I have three options before me — retiring from politics, floating a new outfit, or uniting with an ally with similar interests. All three options will remain open before me till the day when Jharkhand goes to the polls,” he concluded the post.

Rumours of the former Jharkhand CM joining the BJP gained further momentum after Champai Soren along with four other JMM leaders landed in Delhi on Sunday.

While the visit ignited fresh talks of his likely defection from Hemant Soren’s party, when questioned by scribes about a possible switch, Champai Soren said, “I am here for some personal work.”

He also dropped JMM from his X bio on Sunday.

Champai removes JMM affiliation from social media

Suspense over Soren’s next move

Jamshedpur, August 18: Political suspense surrounds former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren’s next move, as speculation swirls about his potential shift to the BJP alongside several MLAs. On Sunday evening, Soren removed his JMM affiliation from his social media bio on X and also took down the JMM flag from his ancestral home in Jilinggoda, Seraikela-Kharsawan.

JMM leaders have commented that Soren’s actions could be a personal decision, noting the unpredictable nature of politics. They acknowledge Soren’s significant influence and the need for him to clarify his reasons for discontent. However, some of his supporters argue that his current stance is justified and not surprising given the political climate.

The removal of the JMM affiliation from Soren’s social media profile has intensified speculation about his future political alignment and potential shifts within Jharkhand’s political landscape.

Congress denies reports of Champai Soren joining BJP

Jamshedpur, August 18: Jharkhand Pradesh Congress President Keshav Mahto Kamlesh has addressed the swirling rumours about former Chief Minister Champai Soren’s alleged move to the BJP. Mahto Kamlesh clarified that the Congress party has no confirmation of Soren’s shift to the BJP and dismissed the speculation as mere rumours. According to Mahto Kamlesh, Soren himself has stated that his visit to Delhi is for personal reasons.

Mahto Kamlesh emphasized that there is no basis for claims of Soren’s dissatisfaction with the Congress. He noted that since Hemant Soren became Chief Minister, Champai Soren has been an integral part of the Jharkhand government, currently serving as the Water Resources Minister.

The Congress leader attributed the rumors to the BJP, accusing them of deliberately spreading misinformation. He suggested that the BJP, having lost tribal seats, is resorting to such tactics to undermine the Congress. Mahto Kamlesh characterized the BJP as proficient in rumor-mongering.

JMM labels Champai Soren’s potential move ‘Suicidal’

Jamshedpur, August 18: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has reacted sharply to former Chief Minister Champai Soren’s recent social media posts, suggesting a possible shift in his political allegiance. JMM spokesperson Manoj Pandey Bablu described such a move as ‘suicidal’ for Soren.

Pandey Bablu acknowledged that while Soren’s social media activity hints at a change, his exact plans remain unclear. He emphasized that Soren’s departure would not significantly impact the party, noting that JMM has previously weathered similar departures and remained strong. “Many have left JMM in the past, only to return later with regret. JMM is Guruji’s party, and its core support remains unwavering,” Pandey stated.

Recent speculation has suggested that Champai Soren might join the BJP, following a meeting with a prominent BJP leader in Kolkata and subsequent travel to Delhi. Despite these developments, JMM maintains that any potential loss or benefit from Soren’s decisions will become evident in time.