Big BLOW For JMM, Ex-Jharkhand CM Champai Soren Set To Join BJP Ahead Of Assembly Polls

New Delhi: Champai Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and senior leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, will formally join the Bharatiya Janata Party on August 30. The confirmation was given by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The 67-year-old tribal leader recently had a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, attended by Sarma. Sarma also tweeted a picture of the meeting and said, "Champai Soren, former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and a respected Adivasi leader, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He will officially join the BJP on August 30 in Ranchi."

He had earlier said that he may launch a new political party ahead of the state assembly elections.

"I will not retire from politics. In the new phase of life, I'll work to strengthen a new organization and if I find a good ally along the way, I'll join hands to serve the people and the state. All things would be clear in a week," the senior JMM leader said after he reached his ancestral village, Jhilingora, in Seraikela-Kharsawan district late last week.

Champai Soren Fuels Speculation Of BJP Move

There were speculations that he may join the BJP. Former JMM MLA Lobin Hembrom, who contested as a rebel candidate in the Lok Sabha election, told a media channel that Champai Soren has been in touch with the BJP leadership, saying it was now time to oppose 'parivarvaad' or dynasty politics. Hembrom was lately disqualified as a JMM MLA under the anti-defection law.

These developments triggered speculations that Champai might quit the JMM. The buzz turned into a roar with sources saying that it was not only Champai, but Hembram and the incumbent minister Badal Patralekh who are flying to Delhi to join the BJP.

He, however, denied the rumours about joining the BJP. Brushing off reports, Champai Soren said, "I do not know what rumors are being spread or what news is being circulated-so I am not in a position to confirm whether it is true or not about me. I am where I have always been."

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