Jharkhand CM's Emotional Birthday Note: 'If a Chief Minister Can Be Imprisoned Without Evidence, What About Tribals and Dalits?'

Ranchi- Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren marked his birthday on Saturday with an emotional note, reflecting on his recent experiences. On his X handle, Soren shared a poignant image of his arm, bearing the stamp he received upon his release from jail.

Soren was born on August 10, 1975, in Neemaara, Ramgarh district, Bihar (now Jharkhand), to Rupia and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren.

On January 31, Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to a land scam, which led to his resignation from the chief ministerial position. After spending nearly five months in jail, he was granted bail by the High Court on June 28.

In his birthday message, Soren reflected on the past year, stating, "The memory that is etched in my mind today is the prison mark that was stamped on me upon my release. This mark is not just mine but a symbol of the current challenges facing our democracy."

He questioned, "If a democratically elected chief minister can be imprisoned for 150 days without any evidence, complaint, or crime, what fate awaits the common tribals, Dalits, and marginalized communities?"

Soren vowed to strengthen his commitment to fighting for every oppressed, marginalized, Dalit, backward, tribal, and indigenous person. "I will speak out for every individual and community that has been silenced, denied justice, or persecuted based on their identity, community, diet, or attire. We must unite to build a society where the law is equal for all and where power is not abused."

Acknowledging the difficult path ahead, Soren expressed confidence in overcoming the challenges through collective effort, emphasizing, "Our strength lies in the unity and diversity of our country."

He concluded by thanking everyone for their affection, prayers, blessings, and support on his special day.