Champai Soren likely to join BJP | How his move may affect Jharkhand political landscape ahead of polls
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren openly criticized his party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), stating that he was humiliated and removed from the office of CM. His statement made it evident that he may join the BJP.
Arpit Pattnaik
Jharkhand is currently experiencing political turmoil right before the assembly elections. Jharkhand cabinet minister and former Chief Minister Champai Soren has openly displayed his rebellious stance. Champai has arrived in Delhi amidst growing resentment against his brother Hemant Soren, who is the current Chief Minister, within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
Champai Soren, a prominent political figure, has expressed his dismay at the treatment he received from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). He was removed from the position of Chief Minister and has conveyed his hurt at the insults and contempt he faced. This has raised speculation about his potential move to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). It is believed that he and 5 other JMM MLAs might join the BJP.
If Champai Soren does switch sides, it could benefit the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections, particularly in the Kolhan area where he holds influence. The Kolhan region has 14 assembly seats and 2 Lok Sabha seats, and Champai is a well-respected tribal leader there. His defection to the BJP could lead to electoral gains for the party in these seats.
However, it's unlikely that Champai Soren will be made a CM candidate by the BJP. Historically, the party has not made such commitments to leaders joining from other parties. Moreover, there are other leaders within the BJP vying for the position. Champai's potential as a CM candidate would depend on his ability to sway JMM votes in favor of the BJP.
If Champai joins the BJP, it will undoubtedly weaken the JMM in the Kolhan region, potentially leading to a shift of tribal votes from the JMM to the BJP. In the 2019 elections, JMM won 11 out of 14 seats in Kolhan, while Congress secured 2 and an independent candidate won one. The BJP failed to win any seats in this region.
