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Soren vs Soren in Jharkhand Politics: There is turmoil in Jharkhand politics. Veteran tribal leader and former Chief Minister Champai Soren has said goodbye to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. He is going to join BJP today. In such a situation, a mountain of troubles has arisen against Hemant Soren's party JMM. On one hand, there is a deep shock due to the departure of the veteran leader, on the other hand, there is also a challenge to give the message that everything is fine in a large tribal area like Kolhan.
At present, preparations have been made to field MLA Ramdas Soren from Ghatsila. Ramdas Soren took oath as a cabinet minister at Raj Bhavan at 11 am today. Ramdas has been included in the cabinet for the first time. He has replaced Champai Soren in the Hemant cabinet. He became the 12th minister in the cabinet. Ramdas Soren has been an MLA from Ghatsila assembly seat twice. The party has already entrusted him with the responsibility of Jamshedpur district president.
After Champai's resignation, the post of cabinet minister became vacant. On Thursday, after receiving a call from the Chief Minister's Office, Ramdas Soren reached Ranchi and met party leaders. Ramdas is considered close to Champai Soren. In such a situation, by making Ramdas a minister, Chief Minister Hemant has not only taken a big step to stop the rebellion, but has also tried to appease the Santhal tribal community.
Hemant took steps to help the Santhal community
Experts say that Hemant Soren's entire focus is on maintaining the dominance of the organization in the Kolhan region. Hemant knows that there is Champai influence in Kolhan and he comes from the Santhal community. In a career spanning 44 years, he rose from a party worker to the post of CM.
This is the reason why Hemant has not commented on the Champai rebellion so far and has maintained silence. Champai is an old and experienced leader. In such a situation, Hemant is trying to understand Champai's next strategy. It is believed that the rebellion of Champai may harm JMM in Kolhan and benefit BJP. Therefore, Hemant has played the gamble of making Ramdas Soren, who comes from the Santhal community, a minister.
JMM made foolproof preparations for damage control
Experts also say that JMM has also made foolproof preparations for damage control. By making Ramdas Soren a cabinet minister, he not only gave importance to East Singhbhum district, but also started working on a plan to develop the Kolhan region. This is being seen as a champagne break. After the cabinet expansion, Ramdas will be given all the departments that Champai had till now. The party will entrust Ramdas with the responsibility of strengthening its vote bank in Kolhan. However, how much this plan will benefit or harm JMM will be clear only after the election results come out.
Ramdas Soren is an MLA from Ghatshila. This assembly falls in West Singhbhum district. There are three districts in Kolhan division. East Singhbhum, Saraikela Kharsawan and West Singhbhum. There are 14 assembly seats in these three districts and Champai Soren has a lot of influence.
At present, JMM does not have any big leader in the region who can be an alternative to Champai. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has always benefited from Champai's organizational capabilities. In the 2020 elections, JMM won 11 out of 14 seats in the Kolhan region. In the alliance, Congress got two seats. One seat was with Saryu Rai. BJP's hands were empty. The then Chief Minister Raghuvar Das also had to face defeat.
This is the reason why BJP is looking for a strong tribal leader in the Kolhan region. Now through Champai, BJP will not only be able to strengthen its hold on 14 seats but will also be able to start a winning streak.
Champai has been a part of the NDA government earlier as well. He was a cabinet minister in the NDA government from September 2010 to January 2013. He has also been the Minister of Transport and Backward Welfare in 2019. On Thursday, the Raj Bhavan accepted Champai Soren's resignation from the post of minister.
Who is Ramdas Soren?
Ramdas Soren comes from the Santhal community. He is also the district president of JMM in East Singhbhum. He has also been a part of the separatist movement and has gone to jail several times.
Contested election as an independent candidate for the first time in 2005
Ramdas Soren contested the first election as an independent in 2005 and lost to Congress candidate Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu. In 2009, he contested from Ghatsila assembly seat on JMM ticket and won by 1,192 votes. In this election, he defeated Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu. However, Ramdas faced defeat in the 2014 elections. Ramdas was defeated by BJP's Laxman Tudu by 6,403 votes.
In the 2020 elections, Ramdas avenged his defeat and reached the assembly for the second time by defeating Laxman Tudu. The JMM government was formed in the state, but Ramdas could not get a place in the cabinet. Because Champai is considered a big leader of the Kolhan region and he was made a cabinet minister in the Hemant Soren government.