Raghubar Das only chief minister to complete full term in history of Jharkhand

Jharkhand’s political turmoil: A history of Chief Ministers

Mail News Service

Ranchi, July 3: Since its formation on November 15, 2000, Jharkhand, known for its mineral wealth, has witnessed significant political upheaval. In its 24-year history, the state has seen 12 Chief Ministers, none of whom except BJP’s Raghubar Das completed a full term in office.

The state’s inaugural Chief Minister was BJP’s Babulal Marandi, who served for approximately two and a half years. He was succeeded by Arjun Munda on March 18, followed by a brief tenure by Shibu Soren lasting only 12 days. Munda returned to office on March 12, 2005, for about one and a half years before independent MLA Madhu Koda assumed office on September 18, 2006, for two years.

Shibu Soren returned as Chief Minister for a brief six-month term on August 28, 2008. The state experienced its first period of President’s rule on January 19, 2009, until Soren’s return for another six-month term starting December 30, 2009. President’s rule was imposed again on June 1, 2010, until Arjun Munda took office for his third term on September 11, 2010, lasting about two and a half years. President’s rule returned on January 18, 2013, followed by Hemant Soren assuming office on July 13, 2013, for one and a half years.

Raghubar Das made history by completing a full five-year term as Chief Minister after assuming office on December 28, 2014, in a BJP majority government. In the 2019 elections, the coalition government of JMM, Congress, and RJD secured a majority, and Hemant Soren became Chief Minister for the second time on December 29, 2019. However, his tenure was cut short by legal issues, leading to his resignation on January 31, 2024. Champai Soren briefly took office on February 2, 2024, until Hemant Soren, now released from legal troubles, staked a claim to form the government again.

Hemant Soren is set to take oath as Chief Minister for the third time, becoming the 13th Chief Minister of Jharkhand. His return to power marks a new chapter in the state’s political landscape amidst ongoing challenges and changes.