JMM leader Champai Soren takes charge as 7th Chief Minister of Jharkhand, two days after Hemant Soren's arrest

JMM leader Champai Soren was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Jharkhand on Friday, two days after former CM Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate. Senior Congress leader Alamgir Alam and RJD leader Satyanand Bhokta also took oaths as cabinet ministers at the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi. 

Champai Soren was appointed as the Chief Minister on Thursday following his letter to the governor for the earliest acknowledgment of his government formation claim, citing "confusion" in the state arising from the absence of a chief minister since Hemant Soren's resignation. "There is no government (in the state) for 18 hours. There is a situation of confusion. Being the constitutional head, we expect you will soon take steps for the formation of a popular government," wrote Champai Soren to governor CP Radhakrishnan. He has been given a 10-day period to prove his government's majority. 

The 67-year-old JMM leader is the 7th Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Hailing from Jharkhand's Kolhan region, which includes East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts, Champai Soren becomes the sixth CM from this area. Supported by 43 MLAs from the ruling alliance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal, he formed the government.