Champai Soren Sparks BJP Speculation

In a twist ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, former chief minister Champai Soren has become the center of speculation about joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Recently, he hinted on social media that he might be leaving the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party he’s been part of for years.

Things heated up after Soren removed the JMM leader tag from his social media profile. His arrival at Delhi airport on August 18, 2024, fueled even more rumors, especially after he had a private meeting with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata the day before.

While reporters crowded around him, Soren maintained that he was in Delhi for personal reasons, dodging questions about his potential switch to the BJP. “I’ve come here for personal work. I am where I am,” he stated firmly.

Before his trip to Delhi, sources claimed that Soren met with Adhikari, which added to the gossip surrounding his political future. Upon landing, he insisted he hadn’t spoken with any BJP leaders, reiterating his focus on personal matters.

On August 17, reports suggested that Soren could join the BJP, but he seemed baffled by the buzz, stating, “I don’t know anything about such speculations and reports.” His evasive responses only fueled the fire of speculation.

In the backdrop, the JMM party quickly dismissed the rumors, referring to them as “mere rumors.” Party spokesperson Manoj Pandey called the BJP a “sinking ship” and expressed confidence that Soren wouldn’t entertain such ideas.

Champai Soren rose to prominence when he took over as chief minister after Hemant Soren was arrested in a land scam case. However, following Hemant Soren’s release from jail and return to politics, Champai stepped down, which has left him in a politically uncertain situation.