Jharkhand’s political landscape is experiencing significant upheaval as Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren prepares to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Assam Chief Minister and Jharkhand election in-charge Himant Vasharma confirmed that Soren will formally join the BJP on August 30. Sarma shared the news on social media, posting a photo of Soren meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Sarma’s announcement on X highlighted Soren’s status as a prominent tribal leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister. Soren’s formal induction into the BJP is scheduled to take place in Ranchi.
The timing of Soren’s move is critical as Jharkhand braces for assembly elections later this year. Known as the “Jharkhand Tiger,” Soren’s switch to the BJP is likely to challenge the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), creating potential electoral difficulties for current Chief Minister Hemant Soren. There is speculation that some JMM leaders might follow Soren to the BJP, intensifying the political stakes.
Champai Soren’s tenure as Jharkhand Chief Minister came to an abrupt end when Hemant Soren returned from a land corruption case. Soren’s resignation from the Chief Minister’s post and his subsequent discontent with the manner of his removal have been well-documented. His dissatisfaction was further highlighted in a recent social media post, where he expressed his regret and feelings of humiliation.
On August 18, Soren visited Delhi with six JMM MLAs. During this visit, he denied any imminent plans to join the BJP, though speculation has since proven accurate.
Champai Soren is a veteran leader in Jharkhand politics, renowned for his tenure as “Jharkhand Tiger.” He first entered politics in 2005 as an independent MLA, later joining the JMM. Soren served as a cabinet minister across several key departments, including Transport, Backward, Scheduled Castes, and Tribes Welfare. He has been elected MLA four times: in 2005, 2009, 2014, and 2019.
Soren’s father, Simal Soren, is a farmer. He has three brothers, one sister, and a family of seven children, including four sons and three daughters.