Admin
21 August 2024
By deciding to float his own party, ex-Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren has served a blow to the ruling JMM led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Champai Soren, seven time MLA.He was first elected from Seraikella in 1991 and served two-terms in the Bihar Legislative Assembly till 2000. During the separate Jharkhand state movement, he became a member of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Before joining JMM, he served as an independent MLA. Later, he represented Seraikella assembly constituency in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly continuously for four terms from 2005 to 2024.
In Seraikela and West Singhbhum, known as Kolhan, he has been a senior JMM leader with a wide following. His son Babulal Soren is an emerging leader.
After he became CM,Champai Soren was acting at the behest of Babulal Soren. Now, when he announced his decision on Wednesday to float a new political party, there was calm in tension within the JMM, the party to which Soren has dedicated most of his political career.
"I had mentioned three options - retirement, organisation, or friend. I will not retire; I will strengthen the party, a new party, and if I meet a good friend on the way, then will move ahead with them," Champai Soren told reporters, leaving open the possibility of future alliances.
Champai Soren's decision to form a new political outfit follows a period of what he described as "bitter humiliation" during his tenure as Jharkhand chief minister.
Just days before this announcement, Soren hinted at his dissatisfaction with the JMM leadership, particularly after his government programs were abruptly cancelled by party leaders without his knowledge.
When reminded that he has not much time left for floating a new party before the state goes to polls, Soren said, "That's not your problem."
“When 30,000-40,000 workers can arrive within a day, then what problem will I have in forming a new (political party),” he added, asserting that the party will be formed within a week.
If he floats a party and put up its candidates, Champai Soren can split Adivasi votes and thereby benefit the BJP and harm the JMM as vote katwa( vote divider).
