Champai Soren joins BJP after alleging surveillance: Claims of being ‘snooped on’ prompt move
PTC News Desk: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, who joined the BJP on Friday, stated that his decision to switch allegiance became definitive after he discovered that he was under surveillance. Soren, previously a senior leader in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and a close ally of party chief Shibu Soren, criticised the state government for what he described as the “shameful act” of tracking his movements.
“I had never imagined that I was being tracked and followed by the special branch for surveillance. This is truly a matter that requires investigation. My decision to join the BJP solidified after learning that my movements were being monitored,” Champai Soren alleged.
Soren’s allegations of being under surveillance surfaced following claims made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Sarma accused the JMM-led coalition government in Jharkhand of keeping Champai Soren under observation for the past six months. Sarma, who is also the BJP co-in charge for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand, suggested that the electorate would deliver a strong response to this alleged espionage in the forthcoming elections.
Expressing his discontent with the JMM, Champai Soren remarked, “I felt humiliated in the JMM. I was considering retiring from politics, but my supporters encouraged me to remain active in mainstream politics. After evaluating the situation, I decided to join the BJP.”
He further criticised the JMM and its coalition partner, the Congress, for neglecting the welfare of tribal communities. Champai Soren claimed that only the BJP had the vision to lead tribals towards a brighter future. “That’s why I have joined the BJP with an open heart. Together, we will build a new Jharkhand,” he declared.
Champai Soren, along with his son Babulal, formally joined the BJP at an event attended by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and other senior BJP leaders, including Laxmikant Bajpai, Arjun Munda, and state party chief Babulal Marandi, in Ranchi. His move is seen as a significant gain for the BJP, especially in its efforts to strengthen ties with the Scheduled Tribes (STs), a key support base for the JMM.
Previously, Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Champai Soren would join the BJP after Soren met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on August 30.
Champai Soren was appointed as Chief Minister of Jharkhand on February 2, following Hemant Soren’s resignation and subsequent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case. Champai Soren resigned from the post on July 3, paving the way for Hemant Soren to return to office on July 4 after being granted bail.
In a letter to JMM chief Shibu Soren, Champai Soren tendered his resignation from the party, citing his discontent with the “current style of functioning and policies” of the JMM, which compelled him to leave.