Senior leader and BJP official deny speculation ahead of Jharkhand elections
Reports of JMM leader Champai Soren potentially joining BJP have been firmly denied by both parties.
JAMSHEDPUR – JMM’s Champai Soren and BJP’s Himanta Biswa Sarma both have refuted claims of Champai Soren mulling switching parties before Jharkhand polls.
Recent speculation about Champai Soren’s possible defection to the BJP has been decisively dismissed.
Addressing the rumors, Champai Soren stated, “These reports are baseless. I am still where I am.”
Earlier, Baharagora MLA Samir Mohanty too had scotched the possibility of switching sides by saying: “My loyalty to JMM remains unwavering.”
The veteran politician Champai Soren expressed surprise at the circulation of such claims.
BJP’s Jharkhand assembly poll co-in-charge, Himanta Biswa Sarma, also rejected the speculation during his Jharkhand visit.
“No one is in touch with us yet. I am also hearing these reports from the channels. Champai Soren is a very senior leader, I do not want to make any informal comment about him,” Sarma clarified to reporters.
The speculation suggested Champai Soren might join BJP during Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming Jharkhand visit.
These rumors emerged following Soren’s brief tenure as Chief Minister after Hemant Soren’s arrest by the ED in January.
Champai Soren, currently serving as higher education and water resources minister, relinquished the CM post in July.
Some reports had claimed Soren was dissatisfied with his removal from the top position.
A JMM party insider, requesting anonymity, remarked, “Such rumors often surface before elections. Mr. Soren’s commitment to our party is unquestionable.”
The firm denials from both Champai Soren and Himanta Biswa Sarma have effectively quashed the speculation for now.
Political analysts suggest these rumors reflect the tense political atmosphere preceding the Jharkhand assembly elections.
“Pre-election periods often breed such speculations. It’s crucial to rely on official statements,” noted a local political science professor.
As the election approaches, both JMM and BJP continue to focus on their respective campaign strategies.
