In a significant political development, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and Jharkhand minister Champai Soren met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi today, setting the stage for his formal induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on August 30.
Champai, along with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the saffron party's co-incharge of the Jharkhand assembly polls, which are set for November and December, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah late on Monday night in New Delhi.
Sources close to the development indicate that Soren’s move to the BJP is part of a broader strategy by the party to strengthen its foothold in the tribal regions of Jharkhand ahead of the 2024 general elections. Champai Soren, who hails from the state’s Ho community, has considerable influence in the tribal belts, making his defection a significant gain for the BJP.
Political analysts believe that Champai Soren’s decision to join the BJP could have far-reaching implications, particularly in the tribal-dominated regions of Jharkhand, where the BJP has been working to expand its influence. The move is seen as a strategic maneuver by the BJP to consolidate its position in the state ahead of the national elections.
As August 30 approaches, all eyes will be on Ranchi, where Champai Soren’s formal induction into the BJP is expected to be a grand affair, attended by top leaders from the party. The event is likely to set the tone for the BJP’s campaign in Jharkhand, as the party gears up to challenge the incumbent government in the 2024 elections.
This development adds a new dimension to the political dynamics of Jharkhand, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle in the months to come.