Political Shifts in Jharkhand: Prominent Ex-JMM Leaders Join BJP

Former Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren and ex-JMM legislator Lobin Hembrom have both recently joined the BJP. Hembrom cited a lack of respect for senior leaders within JMM as his reason for the switch. He was disqualified from the Jharkhand assembly under the anti-defection law, having contested independently against a JMM nominee.

In a significant political development, former Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren and ex-JMM legislator Lobin Hembrom have both joined the BJP. The switch comes amid growing discontent within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

Hembrom, who was welcomed into the BJP by the party's state chief Babulal Marandi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, explained his decision. 'The JMM has changed from what it was in Guruji's (JMM supremo Shibu Soren) time. Now, there is no respect for senior leaders. So, I decided to join the BJP for the development of Jharkhand and the uplift of tribals,' he said.

Hembrom was disqualified from the Jharkhand assembly under the anti-defection law effective July 26, following his independent bid in the Rajmahal Lok Sabha seat against JMM's nominee Vijay Hansdak, which ended in defeat. Meanwhile, Champai Soren's switch came two days after he quit the JMM, citing dissatisfaction and 'bitter humiliation.'

(With inputs from agencies.)