Former Jharkhand CM and ex-JMM leader Champai Soren has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday in presence of two senior BJP leaders Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sharma.
The move comes ahead of the Assembly polls in Jharkhand.
The ceremonial meeting was attended by a huge gathering of Adivasi community.Scores of ex CM Champai Soren’s supporters including Saraikela- Kharsawan Zila Parishad chairman Sonaram Bodra also quit JMM and joined the BJP
After quitting JMM party Soren mentioned that the present ideologies and policies of the party have led to his exit.
Speaking to the media, Soren said, "I had posted about the politics that happened with me in the party that I made with my blood and sweat. I left JMM alone since my intention was not to break the party.
There have been moments when I've considered giving up politics in favor of starting a new organisation or, if I meet a partner, for the betterment of Jharkhand.The BJP is a great partner that we have. Today, I'm going to join the BJP."
As a fervent supporter of the Adivasi community's rights in Jharkhand, Soren said joining the BJP would strengthen his position to fight for the state and its native population. Soren declared, reiterating his resolve to keep fighting for the rights of the Adivasi minority in Jharkhand.
“I'm not done fighting for Jharkhand. There is a serious concern about Adivasis safety. I will take excellent care of my wealthy state. BJP will help me perform my duty more effectively."
He further stated that the reason he chose BJP was because it was the best party for him to express his views regarding the welfare of tribal people. Soren also expressed his faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
"We will fight for Jharkhand like before. I will work for the development of Jharkhand, to save the existence of tribals. We will develop Jharkhand," he further said.
Earlier JMM MLA from Ghatshila, Ramdas Soren took oath as a state cabinet minister in a function held at Raj Bhawan here on Friday.
He replaced Champai Soren in the cabinet, who quit the JMM on August 28. Champai Soren became the chief minister of Jharkhand on February 2 after Hemant Soren resigned as the CM before being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case.
On August 28, he resigned from all posts and primary membership of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).