Union Minister Jitan Ram Manji on Sunday stirred the political waters by welcoming former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren to the NDA fold, amid widespread speculation of a significant political shift.
Manji, in a cryptic post on X, hailed Soren as a 'tiger,' fueling rumours of the veteran leader's possible switch from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
"Champai da, you were, you are, and will remain a tiger. Welcome to the NDA family. Jihar tiger," Manji wrote in Hindi, alluding to Soren’s potential alignment with the NDA. The message was clear: the doors of the NDA were open for the veteran leader, who is known for his deep ties with the Soren family.
This development comes shortly after Champai Soren, a stalwart of the JMM, expressed his deep dissatisfaction with the party and hinted at exploring new political avenues. Soren, in a lengthy post on X, revealed the personal turmoil he endured, describing the "bitter humiliation" he faced as Chief Minister, which has pushed him to consider alternatives.
"In a meeting of the legislative party, I was asked to resign. I was taken aback. Since I had no desire for power, I resigned immediately. However, my self-respect was deeply hurt," Soren stated, recounting the events that led to his resignation as Jharkhand's Chief Minister.
Soren was appointed as the state’s 12th Chief Minister in February after his predecessor, Hemant Soren, stepped down amid legal troubles.
In his post, Champai Soren laid out three potential paths for his future: retiring from politics, forming his own party, or aligning with a new political partner.
"With a heavy heart, I said in the same meeting of the legislative party that a new chapter of my life is going to start. All options are open for me in this journey," he wrote, leaving the door open to speculation.
The timing of Soren’s post, hours after his arrival in New Delhi, has only intensified rumours of his imminent political realignment.
His statement also underscored the waning influence of JMM supremo Shibu Soren, who Champai noted, has been less active due to health concerns.
Champai Soren’s resignation came five months after Hemant Soren secured bail and returned to power.
The potential shift of such a seasoned leader could have significant implications for the political landscape in Jharkhand, particularly as the state prepares for its next assembly elections.
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