Jharkhand: Ex CM Champai Soren Resigns From JMM, Will Join BJP On August 30

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren resigned from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Wednesday. He expressed his ongoing commitment to fighting for the rights ofals, indigenous people, Dalits, backward communities, and common people in Jharkhand. Soren stated that he was compelled to resign due to dissatisfaction with the party's current policies and functioning.

Soren emphasised his dedication to the welfare of marginalised groups in the state. He reiterated his resolve to continue advocating for their rights. "Today I resigned from the primary membership and all posts of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. My struggle will continue on the issues of tribals, Dalits, backward and common people of Jharkhand," Soren wrote on X.

Champai Soren's Letter to Party Chief

In a letter addressed to JMM chief Shibu Soren, Champai Soren explained his decision to leave the party. He expressed deep sorrow over what he described as a deviation from the party's original vision under Shibu Soren's leadership. "It is with great sorrow that I must say the party we envisioned under your leadership, for which we toiled through jungles, mountains, and villages, has now lost its way," he wrote.

Soren also mentioned feeling like JMM was family and never imagined leaving it. However, recent developments forced him into this painful decision. "For me, JMM has been like a family, and I never imagined that I would have to leave it. However, due to the recent developments, I am forced to make this difficult decision with immense pain," he added.

Experienced 'Bitter Humiliation' as CM

The veteran politician revealed that he faced "bitter humiliation" during his tenure as Chief Minister. This experience pushed him towards seeking an alternative path. He claimed that all his government programmes in early July were cancelled by party leadership without informing him.

On Tuesday, Champai Soren announced plans to join the BJP on August 30. He cited concerns over tribal identity and existence in Jharkhand's Santhal Pargana region due to "rampant" infiltration from Bangladesh as reasons for his switch. According to him, only the BJP appears serious about addressing tribal issues while other parties engage in vote bank politics.

Champai Soren earned the nickname 'Jharkhand's Tiger' for his significant role in creating a separate state in the 1990s. Jharkhand was officially formed out of Bihar's southern part in 2000.