Exodus from JMM as Leaders Jump Ship to BJP

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren and ex-JMM legislator Lobin Hembrom have joined the BJP, citing dissatisfaction with JMM's current functioning. Hembrom was disqualified from the assembly under the anti-defection law. The leaders aim for the development of Jharkhand and the uplift of tribals.

In a significant political shift, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren and ex-Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) legislator Lobin Hembrom have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), highlighting internal conflicts and dissatisfaction within the JMM.

On Saturday, Hembrom officially became a BJP member under the auspices of the party's state chief Babulal Marandi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Hembrom cited the lack of respect for senior leaders and the party's shift from its original ideals as reasons for his departure.

Sarma endorsed Hembrom's move, emphasizing BJP's commitment to the development of Jharkhand and countering Bangladeshi infiltration. Marandi also criticized JMM for its detachment from tribal and indigenous people and alleged that its leaders are more interested in monetary gain. Hembrom's defection comes after a series of public criticisms and his disqualification from the state assembly.

(With inputs from agencies.)