Champai Soren Dismisses BJP Rumors Amid Speculation

Former Jharkhand CM Champai Soren has refuted claims about joining the BJP, stating he is unaware of such rumors. Speculations remain about his future in politics after stepping down for Hemant Soren. BJP leaders have neither confirmed nor denied these reports, leaving the situation ambiguous.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Champai Soren has refuted rumors about him joining the BJP, asserting that he remains unaware of such speculations and remains in his current position. Speaking briefly with reporters on Saturday, Soren said, "I don't know what rumors are being spread. I don't know what news is being spread, so I cannot tell whether it's true or not. I don't know anything about it...Hum jahan par hain vahi par hain."

Soren, who was sworn in as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on February 2, resigned from the post on July 3 this year. His resignation came a day before JMM executive president Hemant Soren took oath as the 13th chief minister on July 4, following Hemant's arrest in connection with an alleged land scam case. Intense speculation has since surrounded the future status of Champai Soren.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP's election co-incharge, refused to provide a definitive comment on the matter. "No one is in touch with us yet. I am also hearing these reports from the channels. Champai Soren is a very senior leader, I do not want to make any informal comment about him," he said. Last week, the BJP convened a meeting of its district heads, attended virtually by election in-charge and Union Minister Shivraj Chauhan, while Himanta Sarma and state BJP President Babulal Marandi attended in Ranchi.

During the meeting, the BJP outlined its election strategies. Meanwhile, former Jharkhand BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Deepak Prakash indicated that any inclusion of Champai Soren in the BJP would depend on central leadership. He said, "I have heard this in reports only. I don't have any authentic information... He (Champai Soren) was serving Jharkhand as a good CM... Everything depends on the central leadership." Prakash further stated that Champai Soren's removal as Chief Minister was a setback.

(With inputs from agencies.)