Speculation is swirling around former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren and his potential shift to the BJP. Adding fuel to the fire, Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi—leader of the Hindustani Awam Morcha and a BJP ally—extended a public welcome to Soren, referring to him as a “tiger.” Manjhi’s message was clear: “Champai da, you were a tiger, you are a tiger, and you will remain a tiger. Welcome to the NDA family. Johar Tiger.” This endorsement has only intensified the buzz surrounding Soren’s political future.
Soren, who resigned as Jharkhand’s Chief Minister in early July, has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with how he was treated during his brief tenure. He described his experience as one of “bitter humiliation,” hinting that he might be looking for a new political home. His statements have led many to believe that he might be considering a switch to the NDA.
In February, Champai Soren stepped in as Jharkhand’s 12th Chief Minister after Hemant Soren was arrested in a high-profile money laundering case. However, his time in office was short-lived, as Hemant Soren returned to power in July. During his tenure, Champai Soren faced numerous challenges, with decisions being made without his input and key government programs being abruptly cancelled.
Reflecting on his political journey, Soren took to social media to express his frustrations and doubts about his place in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a party he has dedicated decades of service to. He revealed that he was often sidelined, with meetings cancelled and decisions made without his knowledge.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, Soren outlined three possible paths: retiring from politics, forming his own political party, or joining forces with a new ally. “I had three options. First, to retire from politics, second, to float a separate outfit, and third, if I find any ally, to carry forward with them. From that day till today, and till the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, all options are open for me in this journey,” Soren shared in a recent post on X.
As Jharkhand gears up for its elections later this year, the political landscape is shifting rapidly. The JMM‘s previous alliance with the Congress and Lalu Prasad Yadav’s Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) secured a strong majority in 2019, but with Champai Soren potentially seeking a new path, the dynamics could change significantly. All eyes are now on Soren as he contemplates his next move, which could reshape Jharkhand’s political future.