Champai Soren Accuses State Of Misleading Tribals On Land Rights

Key Points:

• Champai Soren accuses Hemant government of misleading tribals on PESA law
• Former CM questions notice served to Sidhu-Kanhu descendants
• Champai Soren claims demographic change has occurred across Jharkhand

DHANBAD – Former Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren government during a visit to Dhanbad on Sunday. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the circuit house, where he had stopped to rest.

Champai Soren alleged that the state government had misled the tribal community over the implementation of the PESA Act. He said the law, rather than protecting tribal interests, had instead been used to cheat them.

The political temperature in Jharkhand has been rising steadily in recent weeks, with leaders across parties trading sharp statements. Champai Soren’s remarks add to that ongoing exchange.

The former chief minister also raised the issue of a notice served to descendants of Sidhu and Kanhu, the tribal freedom fighters who led the Santhal rebellion of 1855. He said the matter would be answered by the people of the state.

Champai Soren went further, claiming that the demographic composition of the entire state had changed. He did not elaborate on what data or evidence supported the claim.

On the Uniform Civil Code, Champai Soren said the proposed code would not apply to tribal communities. He has previously held senior positions within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha before his current political alignment.

The former chief minister also dismissed speculation about a possible future alliance between the JMM and the BJP. He rejected the suggestion outright when asked by reporters at the circuit house.

Champai Soren served as chief minister of Jharkhand for a brief period in 2024 before Hemant Soren returned to the post. He was earlier admitted to Tata Main Hospital for health complications, and Raghubar Das had inquired about his condition at the time.

Hemant Soren has continued to face scrutiny on multiple fronts. His discharge petition in a money laundering case linked to the Bargai land scam was dismissed earlier this month.

Meanwhile, organisational activity within the JMM has continued elsewhere in the state. The party has been working to strengthen its base in Seraikela, with former BJP leaders rejoining its ranks.

Champai Soren had earlier paid tribute to tribal leader Jogeshwar Tudu in Mahuldih, saying his struggle would remain an inspiration for the community.

The PESA Act, or the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, was enacted in 1996 to extend panchayat provisions to scheduled tribal areas with special protections for local self-governance. It grants Gram Sabhas significant authority over natural resources and local development in tribal-dominated regions.