Champai Soren resigns from JMM, claims party has 'lost direction'

New Delhi: The veteran leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and former Chief Minister Champai Soren resigned from the party on Wednesday. This move comes just a day after he declared his intention to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Soren stated that his departure from the Hemant Soren-led JMM was driven by his belief that the party had 'lost its direction.'

Painful departure from political family

Reflecting on his departure, Champai Soren expressed deep sorrow, saying, "JMM was like a family to me, and I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would leave the party. However, certain recent events deeply pained me and left me with no choice but to make this difficult decision." 

Joining BJP to safeguard tribal identity

On Tuesday, Soren announced his decision to join the BJP, citing his commitment to "saving the identity of tribals" in the Santhal Pargana region. He criticized other political parties for neglecting this critical issue in favor of securing votes, stating, "Today, Bangladeshi infiltration has become a significant problem in Santhal Pargana, the sacred land of Baba Tilka Manjhi and Sido-Kanhu. It is tragic that these infiltrators are occupying the lands of the descendants of those heroes who never bowed to British rule. The dignity of our mothers, sisters, and daughters, who revere brave women like Phool-Jhano, is at risk because of this."

Trust in BJP leadership

Soren further explained his decision to align with the BJP, expressing confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "Only the BJP seems serious about this issue, while other parties ignore it for electoral gains. Therefore, to protect the identity and existence of the tribals, I have decided to join the BJP," he said.

Controversial political journey

Champai Soren, aged 67, briefly served as Jharkhand's Chief Minister after Hemant Soren’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an alleged land scam. However, he stepped down on July 3 following Hemant Soren’s release on bail by the Jharkhand High Court. Reports suggest that Champai Soren was unhappy with the manner in which he was removed from office to make way for Hemant Soren's return.

On August 26, Assam Chief Minister and BJP’s Jharkhand election co-in-charge, Himanta Biswa Sarma, confirmed that Champai Soren would officially join the BJP on August 30.