Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren addressed the ongoing political situation within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the speculation surrounding the candidature of jailed JMM working president Hemant Soren in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
He mentioned that the party is actively discussing candidates for the elections, considering the circumstances surrounding Hemant Soren's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. Champai Soren expressed his belief that injustice was done to Hemant Soren and emphasized his confidence in winning all 14 Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand despite the challenges.
Regarding the speculation that Hemant Soren may contest the Dumka Lok Sabha seat against BJP nominee Sita Soren, Champai Soren stated that the party will take a decision on this matter soon. Dumka is considered a stronghold of the Shibu Soren family, but Shibu Soren lost the seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. To regain this traditional seat, JMM would need to field a strong candidate against Sita Soren, a three-time MLA who recently joined the BJP after resigning from JMM.
Champai Soren also mentioned the possibility of fielding Kalpana Soren, the wife of Hemant Soren, from the Gandey Assembly seat. He clarified that the decision on whether Kalpana Soren would be made the chief minister if she contests and wins would be taken by the party leaders, including President Shibu Soren, Hemant Soren, and others.
The by-poll for the Gandey Assembly seat is scheduled to be held on May 20, along with the parliamentary elections in Jharkhand.
