Hemant Soren to return as Chief Minister, Champai Soren resigns

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren resigned from his position on Wednesday, leading to JMM leader Hemant Soren staking claim to form the government. Leaders and legislators from the ruling coalition convened at Champai Soren's residence and unanimously chose Hemant Soren as the leader of the JMM legislature party. 

“Our alliance decided to elect Hemant Babu (Hemant Soren) as leader. I’ve resigned from my post on my own,” said Champai Soren outside the Raj Bhawan, after meeting with Governor CP Radhakrishnan.

Champai Soren tendered his resignation to Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan, clearing the way for Hemant Soren to potentially take oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on July 4.

Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM Spokesperson, confirmed that Champai Soren's resignation had been accepted by the Governor, paving the way for Hemant Soren to assume office.

Hemant Soren, the former Chief Minister, was elected as the leader of the ruling coalition's legislative party and subsequently met with the Governor to formalize the claim to govern the state. Hemant Soren was released on bail on June 28 after spending nearly five months in jail in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. The central agency arrested Hemant Soren on January 31. 

In the Jharkhand State Assembly, the ruling INDIA bloc, led by JMM, comprises 45 members after recent electoral changes (JMM-27, Congress-17, RJD-1), while the BJP holds 24 seats.