Jharkhand: Former CM Champai Soren Sparks Speculation After Removing JMM from X Handle, Shares Emotional Note

New Delhi- In a move that has intensified speculation about his political future, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren has removed all mentions of his party, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), from his social media handle on 'X' (formerly Twitter). This development comes amid swirling rumors that Soren may be contemplating a switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Soren, who was recently in Delhi, sought to clarify his presence in the national capital, stating that his visits are frequent because his children reside there. When asked directly by the media about the possibility of him joining the BJP, Soren responded ambiguously, saying, "Abhi main jahan par hun, wahi hun" ("I am where I am for now"). His non-committal response has only added fuel to the fire regarding his potential political realignment.

Further fueling the speculation, media has reported that the JMM party flag has been removed from Soren's ancestral village, a move seen by many as symbolic of his possible departure from the party he has long been associated with.

These developments follow Soren's recent emotional post on 'X,' where he hinted at exploring new paths, including potentially leaving politics, forming a new organization, or joining forces with another political entity. The timing of these actions, just months ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, has created a buzz in the state’s political circles.

Soren's emotional message on X, States Options Open from Retirement to New Beginnings

Champai Soren, on Sunday shared a long and emotional post on the social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), in which he hinted at his future political plans and his reflections on his journey.

In his post, Champai Soren revealed that on January 31, the India alliance chose him as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand. He mentioned his dedication and commitment to serving the state during his tenure in office. He emphasized that he always made decisions in the public interest, keeping the welfare of every section of society in mind.

The veteran leader wrote: " Since the beginning of my public life, from raising the voice of workers against industrial houses to the Jharkhand movement, I have always engaged in politics with public interest at heart. I have continuously strived to secure the rights of the state's indigenous people, original inhabitants, the poor, laborers, students, and the backward sections of society. Whether I held an official position or not, I have always remained available to the people, voicing the concerns of those who envisioned a better future alongside the formation of the Jharkhand state.

Amidst all this, on January 31, in an unprecedented turn of events, the India Alliance chose me to serve as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand. From the first day of my tenure until the last (July 3), I diligently and wholeheartedly fulfilled my duties toward the state. During this period, we made several decisions in the public interest, and as always, I remained available to everyone. The decisions we made, keeping in mind the elderly, women, youth, students, and every section of society, will be evaluated by the people of the state.

When I assumed office, I pledged to serve the state by paying homage to great leaders like Baba Tilka Manjhi, Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and Sido-Kanhu. Every child in Jharkhand knows that during my tenure, I neither wronged anyone nor allowed any wrong to happen.

Meanwhile, the day after Hul Diwas, I learned that all my scheduled programs for the next two days had been canceled by the party leadership. This included a public event in Dumka and another program for distributing appointment letters to PGT teachers. Upon inquiry, I was informed that a legislative party meeting had been convened by the alliance on July 3, and until then, I could not attend any programs as the Chief Minister.

Could anything be more humiliating in a democracy than having a Chief Minister's programs canceled by someone else? Despite swallowing this bitter pill of insult, I requested that since the appointment letter distribution was scheduled for the morning and the legislative party meeting was in the afternoon, I could attend both. But my request was outrightly denied.

In my over four decades of spotless political career, this was the first time I felt broken inside. I didn't know what to do. I spent two days in silent introspection, searching for my mistakes in the entire episode. I had no desire for power, but how could I show the wound inflicted on my self-respect? Where could I express the pain caused by my own people?

When the party's central executive meeting hasn't been held for years, and unilateral decisions are passed, who do I turn to with my grievances? I am considered a senior member of this party, while others are juniors, and the one senior to me, the supremo, is no longer active in politics due to health reasons. What options did I have? If they were active, perhaps the situation would have been different.

Technically, the Chief Minister has the right to convene a legislative party meeting, but I wasn't even informed of the meeting's agenda. During the meeting, I was asked to resign. I was shocked, but since I had no attachment to power, I immediately resigned. However, my heart was emotional due to the wound inflicted on my self-respect.

For the past three days, the humiliating behavior had made me emotional, and I struggled to hold back my tears, but all they cared about was the chair. It felt as if I had no existence, no identity in the party to which I had dedicated my entire life. Many more humiliating incidents occurred, which I don't wish to mention at this time. After enduring so much insult and disrespect, I was forced to seek an alternative path.

With a heavy heart, I announced in that same legislative party meeting, "A new chapter of my life is beginning today." I had three options before me: first, to retire from politics; second, to form my own organization; and third, to continue my journey forward with a companion if one emerged on this path.

From that day until today, and leading up to the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections, all options remain open for me on this journey."