Jharkhand: INDIA bloc MLAs fly to Hyderabad after Governor delays appointment of new CM

Jharkhand continues to be without a chief minister as State Governor CP Radhakrishnan refused to invite Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's newly-elected leader Champai Soren to form the next government in the state despite the JMM leader claiming the support of 43 MLAs in the 81-member assembly. The state has been plunged into a political crisis after the resignation of Hemant Soren, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) late on Wednesday.

MLAs of JMM-led ruling alliance in Jharkhand in a flight at Ranchi Airport and are likely to reach Hyderabad.

(Source: An MLA from the alliance) pic.twitter.com/aJaksXRR15

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024

Champai Sorean meets Jharkhand's Governer

Champai Soren, who has staked claim to form the next government, on Thursday released a video of 43 MLAs taking number count to show that he has the required support to become the chief minister. After a wait of nearly 20 hours, the JMM leader finally got an invite to meet the governor on Thursday evening. However, despite the video and also letters of support, the governor did not invite the JMM leader to form the government. Champai Soren and JMM MLAs met Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi in the evening.

"We have demanded from the governor that the process to start formation of the new government should begin. The governor has assured us that the process will begin soon," Champai Soren told reporters after his meeting with the governor. "Currently, we have submitted the report with 43 MLAs in our support. We expect that the number will reach 46-47 so there is no problem. Our 'gathbandhan' is very strong," he added.

#WATCH | Leader of JMM legislative party, Champai Soren says "We have demanded from the Governor that the process to start the formation of the new Government should begin soon..." pic.twitter.com/QlVTRmpeiP

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024

“We will again seek time at noon tomorrow if the governor fails to call us by then,” Congress legislative party leader Alamgir Alam said after meeting the governor. Alam said that during the meeting, they expressed concern as to who would be responsible for horse trading if a quick decision on government formation is not taken.

#WATCH | After meeting Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan, Leader of JMM legislative party, Champai Soren says "We have demanded that the process to start the formation of the Government should begin. He (Governor) said that the process will begin soon..." pic.twitter.com/AdED4ympMg

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024

Which party holds the majority in Jharkhand?

In the 81-member Jharkhand assembly, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance, which includes Congress and RJD has 47 MLAs, including 29 of JMM, 17 of Congress, and 1 of RJD. The BJP has 25 members and the AJSU party has three MLAs. The NCP and CPI (ML)L have one member each, apart from 3 Independents.

#WATCH | Ranchi: Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur says, "We are going to the airport. You know what kind of people they are, they can do anything anytime. A total of 43 MLAs are going..." pic.twitter.com/stNK8RTkXy

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024

Why did JMM MLAs fly to Hyderabad?

With uncertainty over government formation, the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc MLAs have been shifted out of the state to prevent poaching. The MLAs are being flown to Hyderabad, where Congress is in power. 

#WATCH | Telangana: Buses placed outside Begumpet airport in Hyderabad.

MLAs of JMM-led ruling alliance in Jharkhand have departed from Ranchi Airport and are likely to reach Hyderabad soon. pic.twitter.com/B1nRKSVTuD

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024

Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur says, "We are going to the airport. You know what kind of people they are, they can do anything anytime. A total of 43 MLAs are going..."3-4 MLAs will stay in Ranchi to keep a watch here. We have enough numbers to form the government...All 43 MLAs are together, we have full confidence...We will keep meeting the Governor until he calls us to form the Govt..."

#WATCH | Ranchi: Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur says, "3-4 MLAs will stay in Ranchi to keep a watch here. We have enough numbers to form the government...All 43 MLAs are together, we have full confidence...We will keep meeting the Governor until he calls us to form… pic.twitter.com/BMNTq40Xlv

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024

Meanwhile, JMM leader and former chief minister Hemant Soren was sent to one-day judicial custody by a special PMLA court in Ranchi, in connection with an alleged land scam case.