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Jharkhand is at the centre of political upheaval as newly sworn-in Chief Minister Champai Soren faces a crucial trust vote on Monday, seeking to establish the legitimacy of his government in the state assembly.
NEW DELHI: Jharkhand is at the centre of political upheaval as newly sworn-in Chief Minister Champai Soren faces a crucial trust vote on Monday, seeking to establish the legitimacy of his government in the state assembly.
This development follows the arrest of former Chief Minister Hemant Soren by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on money laundering charges.
Despite Hemant Soren’s arrest, a special PMLA court granted him permission to participate in the trust vote, recognising his status as a member of the Jharkhand Assembly. Champai Soren is leading the JMM-led alliance in a bid to secure majority support at 11 am.
The ruling JMM-led alliance, which strategically sequestered its MLAs in a Hyderabad resort to prevent poaching, brought them back to Ranchi on Sunday evening. While JMM asserts the floor test is a mere formality, claiming the support of 47 MLAs, the BJP contends that hiding MLAs indicates a lack of confidence.
In the face of this uncertainty, JMM’s Manoj Pandey downplayed the significance of the floor test, stating, “The spirit of the Opposition is already low seeing the numbers and the unity of the INDIA alliance. The figure can also cross 48. Our party, our alliance is united.” However, BJP spokesperson, Pratul Shah Deo, expressed concern, emphasising that “Jharkhand has lost” regardless of the test outcome.
Jharkhand’s leader of Opposition, Amar Kumari Bauri, criticised the previous government for prioritising corruption over promises. The JMM-led alliance, confident of victory, asserted that even some BJP MLAs support the ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in the state.
Champai Soren assumed office amid allegations of a deliberate delay by the governor and claims of having the support of 47 MLAs in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. The BJP-led NDA holds 29 MLAs, including BJP’s 26 and AJSU’s three.
Former CM Hemant Soren, arrested on January 31, reached the assembly to participate in the trust vote following a special court’s permission. The political landscape is further complicated by reports suggesting some JMM MLAs may abstain from voting, highlighting internal dynamics within the ruling coalition.
As Jharkhand grapples with this political showdown, the two-day Assembly session begins on Monday, setting the stage for a high-stakes trust vote. Restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC within a 100-metre radius of the assembly building have been imposed.
