The fate of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren hangs in the balance, leaving the ruling coalition MLAs on edge as they grapple with his uncertain future.
Soren, who has been at the helm since December 2020, is facing a crisis due to his alleged involvement in a mining scam. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had recently registered an FIR against him and several others for allegedly receiving illegal payments from a coal mining company.
The ruling coalition of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM), Indian National Congress (INC) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is divided over Soren’s future, with some MLAs reportedly loyal to the Chief Minister while others are said to be open to exploring alternative options.
Soren has denied all allegations against him, claiming that he was unaware of his involvement in any illegal activities. However, his image has taken a hit due to the ongoing investigation, and several key allies have distanced themselves from him.
The JVM’s top leadership is said to be locked in an internal power struggle, with some factions openly calling for Soren’s removal as Chief Minister. The situation is further complicated by the presence of several influential leaders who are not members of the ruling coalition but hold significant sway over the party’s decisions.
As the situation continues to unfold, the JVM has announced a meeting of its top leadership to discuss the future course of action. The meeting is expected to take place in the coming days, and it remains to be seen whether Soren will be able to regain control over his party or face the consequences of his alleged involvement in the mining scam.
The crisis in Jharkhand has left many observers wondering about the future of the state’s politics. With several key players facing uncertainty, the ruling coalition is on shaky ground, and it remains to be seen how it will navigate this challenging period.