JMM’s Champai Soren to be Sworn in As Jharkhand CM Today

Ranchi: Veteran Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader, Champai Soren, will be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Jharkhand on Friday. Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan invited the 67-year-old JMM leader to take oath on Thursday evening almost a day after the arrest of his predecessor Hemant Soren by the ED in an alleged money laundering case.

Champai Soren met the Governor earlier on Thursday, pleading that he be called to take oath.

“There is no government (in the state) for 18 hours. There is a situation of confusion. Being the constitutional head, we expect you will soon take steps for the formation of a popular government,” stated his letter to the Governor.

Champai Soren said, “We have submitted the report with 43 MLAs in our support. We expect the number will reach 46-47… so there is no problem. Our ‘gathbandhan’ (alliance), is very strong”.

The delay in the Governor’s decision — coupled with the slim margin in numbers — pushed the ruling alliance to move their MLAs, fearing an Operation Lotus by the opposition BJP.

But because of bad weather, the plane — bound for Congress-ruled Telangana — could not take off and late in the evening, the MLAs were taken to a government guest house in the city.

Shortly after, Champai Soren got a call from the Governor.

The ruling JMM-Congress-RJD alliance of Jharkhand has 47 MLAs in the 81-member house, while the majority mark is 41. Currently 43 MLAs are backing Champai Soren.

The BJP has 25 MLAs and the AJSU, or All Jharkhand Students Union, has three. The remaining seats are divided between the NCP and a Left party (one each) and there are three independent MLAs.