Hemant Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, designated Champai Soren as his successor on Wednesday (January 31), mere hours before his apprehension by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a land scandal. With this announcement, Champai Soren has emerged as the prominent figurehead of the state's leadership under the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), standing as a loyalist to Hemant Soren and currently serving as the state's Transport Minister. Hemant Soren, in a communiqué addressed to the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) of the ruling Mahagathbandhan in Jharkhand, officially endorsed Champai Soren as the head of the JMM legislative party.
The rationale behind Hemant Soren's selection of Champai Soren as his successor prompts inquiry into the factors considered. Primarily, Champai Soren's status as one of the founding members of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, alongside Hemant Soren's father, Shibu Soren, underscores a significant basis for Hemant Soren's trust in him. However, this is not the sole determinant of Hemant Soren's confidence in Champai Soren's capabilities.
Champai Soren's steadfast allegiance to Hemant Soren, coupled with his close association with the former Chief Minister's father, Shibu Soren, further solidifies his position within the party. Additionally, Champai Soren's regional background in the Kolhan region, traditionally considered a stronghold of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), adds depth to his selection as the new Chief Minister.
Moreover, the historical context of Jharkhand's political landscape, specifically in the Kolhan region, sheds light on the significance of Champai Soren's appointment. The region has seen three previous Chief Ministers, two from the BJP—Arjun Munda (2010-2013) and Raghubar Das (2014-2019)—and one from the Congress—Madhu Koda (2006-2008). Notably, both Madhu Koda and Hemant Soren share the unfortunate distinction of being Chief Ministers embroiled in scandals; Koda was implicated in a mining scandal during his tenure.
The political dynamics surrounding the BJP's performance in Kolhan, particularly in the aftermath of the 2019 Jharkhand Assembly elections, where the party underperformed in 13 constituencies, bear relevance. The defeat of BJP stalwart Raghubar Das in the Jamshedpur (East) seat by independent candidate Saryu Roy marked a significant setback for the party. Roy, credited with exposing corruption within the BJP ranks, enjoys support from Hemant Soren, who endorsed his independent candidacy.
Considering Hemant Soren's somewhat tepid popularity during his tenure, the selection of Champai Soren as his successor is perceived as a strategic maneuver to thwart BJP's prospects. Widely hailed as the 'Tiger of Kolhan,' Champai Soren's ascension to the role of Chief Minister may pose formidable challenges for the BJP in the upcoming Assembly polls.
In response to his arrest, Hemant Soren has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Enforcement Directorate's actions. His plea is scheduled for hearing before a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Friday. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate intends to produce Hemant Soren before a PMLA court in Ranchi, seeking custody based on alleged non-cooperation during questioning and incriminating evidence related to the land scam.
Amidst these developments, 43 MLAs have thrown their support behind Champai Soren, signaling a consolidated stance within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.
