Senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Champai Soren took an early flight to Delhi on Monday, sparking rumors of his potential defection to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to sources. Champai, who was recently succeeded by JMM chief Hemant Soren as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister, reportedly traveled with six party MLAs.
#WATCH | Delhi: When asked if he met West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata, former Jharkhand CM and JMM leader Champai Soren says, “I have not met anyone. I have come here for personal work…” pic.twitter.com/c2mg33FvLi
— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2024
Political Shifts in Jharkhand
Champai Soren, known for his close ties to the Soren family, was appointed Chief Minister after Hemant Soren’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31, related to an alleged land scam. However, Champai resigned from the position on July 3, following Hemant Soren’s release on bail granted by the Jharkhand High Court.
Discontent and Speculation
Sources suggest that Champai may have been displeased with his abrupt removal from the Chief Minister’s post to allow Hemant Soren’s return to power. Adding to the intrigue, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has reportedly lost contact with the six MLAs who supposedly accompanied Champai Soren to Delhi.
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Alleged Meetings with BJP Leaders
Reports indicate that Champai Soren has been in communication with several top BJP leaders. On Sunday night, he was allegedly in Kolkata, where he met with Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. Additionally, there are claims that he has been in regular contact with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Champai Soren Denies Rumors
Despite the swirling rumors, Champai has denied any intention of joining the BJP. On Saturday, he refuted the speculation, stating, “I don’t know what rumors are being spread. I don’t know what news is being run, so I cannot tell whether it’s true or not. I don’t know anything about it…Hum jahan par hain vahi par hain (I am here only).”
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