Champai Soren, the ex-Chief Minister of Jharkhand, has announced his intention to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on August 30 in Ranchi. He confirmed this news on the microblogging platform X.
Soren stated that his decision to join the BJP is driven by his commitment to safeguarding the identity and existence of tribal communities. He expressed his trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, stating, “I have decided to join the Bharatiya Janata Party, expressing faith in the leadership of the Honorable Prime Minister Mr. @narendramodi and Home Minister Mr. @AmitShah ji.”
Addressing the issue of Bangladeshi infiltration in Santhal Pargana, Soren emphasized the threat it poses to the region, which is historically significant as the land of freedom fighters. He lamented the occupation of land by these infiltrators, which he sees as a dishonor to the legacy of tribal heroes who fought against British colonialism. He also highlighted the potential threat to the dignity of tribal women, and criticized other political parties for ignoring the issue to secure votes, while praising the BJP for taking it seriously.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the BJP’s co-incharge for the Jharkhand assembly elections, announced on August 26 that Soren will formally join the BJP on August 30. Sarma shared a photo of Soren’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which he attended as well.
Soren, a leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, had previously accused the party’s leadership of disrespecting him, and had indicated that he would soon determine his next political move. There had been widespread speculation that he might join the BJP, a move that JMM leader and current Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren had accused the BJP of orchestrating to lure away JMM leaders.
