New Delhi: In a surprising political move, Champai Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a seasoned leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday. The announcement was made by Himanta Biswa Sarma in a late-night post on X.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Soren explained his decision: “Initially, I considered retiring or starting a new organization, but given the time constraints, I chose to join the BJP. My trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah has strengthened, and that played a significant role in my decision.” He added that his son would also be joining the BJP alongside him.
Notably, Champai Soren had assumed office as Jharkhand’s 12th Chief Minister on February 2 this year but resigned on July 3, the day before Hemant Soren was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister.
Soren, who had resigned as Chief Minister to make way for Hemant Soren, had previously expressed dissatisfaction with his party’s leadership, citing personal insults. He had hinted at a possible new political venture but has now opted to align with the BJP.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is leading the BJP’s campaign for the upcoming Jharkhand elections, welcomed Soren’s decision, stating, “I want Champai Soren to join the BJP and strengthen our party.”
The formalities of Soren’s induction were completed a few hours later, with Sarma posting a photo of Soren meeting Amit Shah and confirming the date of his official joining.