In a dramatic political comeback, Hemant Soren has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, marking the culmination of a five-month saga that began with his abrupt resignation and subsequent legal battles.
Soren, who resigned moments before his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in January over alleged involvement in a land fraud case, has now returned to office following a bail order from the High Court. The court noted no direct evidence linking him to the scam, paving the way for his reinstatement.
Addressing supporters after taking oath, Hemant Soren expressed gratitude for the court’s decision and reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the work of the coalition government. His wife, Kalpana Soren, emphasized his dedication to serving the people, albeit with a cautionary note about the impending state election.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at Raj Bhavan and attended by his father and JMM patriarch Shibu Soren, marked a symbolic moment in Jharkhand’s political landscape. Cabinet appointments are scheduled for Sunday, further solidifying the governance structure under Soren’s leadership.
The political shuffle also saw Champai Soren, briefly elevated to the Chief Minister’s post during Hemant Soren’s absence, gracefully step down following the party’s decision. Despite initial discontent, Champai Soren resigned in accordance with the coalition’s directive, highlighting the internal dynamics within the JMM.
The JMM-led alliance, which includes the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and Left parties, is now banking on Hemant Soren to spearhead their campaign in the upcoming elections. However, the decision to replace Champai Soren could provide fodder for opposition criticism, as BJP leaders have already begun to capitalize on the leadership transition.
Sources By Agencies
