“I will strengthen the party, a new party…”: Champai Soren Likely to Launch New Political Party Ahead of Jharkhand Assembly Elections

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren has declared his intention to launch a new political party in anticipation of the upcoming State Assembly Elections. This announcement comes amid mounting internal strife within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), following his resignation after Hemant Soren was released on bail and took over the reigns as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand.

Champai Soren asserted that he is determined to continue his political journey. "I had mentioned three options - retirement, organisation, or friend. I will not retire; I will strengthen the party, a new party, and if I meet a good friend on the way, then will move ahead with them,” Soren told reporters.

Despite his discontent with the JMM, Soren emphasized his commitment to politics, stating, "It is a new chapter of my life. I won't quit politics as I have received lots of love and support from my followers. The chapter has closed; I may form a new outfit.” Addressing concerns about the tight timeline before the state elections, Soren confidently remarked, “That's not your problem. When 30,000-40,000 workers can arrive within a day, then what problem will I have in forming a new (political party).”

Soren's departure from JMM was reportedly precipitated by internal party dynamics and a series of events that he described as humiliating. On August 18, Champai Soren took to X to outline the perceived slights he faced, including the cancellation of his scheduled public programs by the party. “The day after Hul Diwas, I came to know that all my programs for the next two days have been postponed by the party leadership. One of these was a public program in Dumka, while the other was to distribute appointment letters to PGT teachers. On asking, I came to know that a meeting of the legislative party has been called by the coalition on July 3, till then you cannot attend any program as CM. Can there be anything more humiliating in a democracy than a Chief Minister's programs being cancelled by another person, “he added.

Speculation about Soren's future political affiliations intensified following his visit to Delhi on Sunday, sparking rumors of a potential alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, Jharkhand BJP Chief Babulal Marandi clarified on Monday that no discussions had yet occurred regarding Soren’s possible switch to the BJP. “No talk was held yet with Champai Soren. He is a seasoned politician and has been part of the separate Jharkhand movement. He will himself decide his own path,” Marandi said.

Champai Soren, who assumed office as Chief Minister on February 2 following the resignation and subsequent arrest of Hemant Soren in a money laundering case, saw his tenure cut short when Hemant Soren was released from jail and took over as Chief Minister.