Hemant Soren Sworn in as Jharkhand Chief Minister for Third Time Amid Legal Challenges
News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/ 5th July 2024
Hemant Soren, the executive president of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the third time on Thursday at 5 p.m. This follows an invitation from Governor CP Radhakrishnan to form the government in the state. This political shift occurred after Champai Soren resigned from the Chief Minister’s position, paving the way for Hemant Soren to claim the government formation. Currently, Hemant Soren is out on bail in a money laundering case.
In a decisive move, the leaders of the JMM-led alliance in the state unanimously elected Hemant Soren as the legislature party leader. This endorsement came shortly after a significant meeting on Wednesday, where a delegation from the JMM-led alliance, led by Hemant Soren, met with Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan. The delegation included key figures such as Congress state unit president Rajesh Thakur, RJD minister Satyanand Bhokta, and MLA Vinod Singh. Kalpana Soren, the Gandey MLA and Hemant Soren’s wife, was also present, highlighting the united front of the alliance.
The political landscape in Jharkhand is further complicated by the ongoing legal challenges faced by Hemant Soren. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to appeal to the Supreme Court against the court’s order that granted bail to Soren. According to PTI, the ED plans to file a special leave petition (SLP) challenging the June 28 order issued by a bench of Justice Rongon Mukhopadhyay.
The ED’s contention revolves around the court’s assertion that Soren is “not guilty,” arguing that he does not meet the twin conditions outlined in Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The high court had indicated that there was “reason to believe” that Hemant Soren was innocent of the alleged offence and that there was no likelihood of the petitioner engaging in a similar offence.
Despite these legal hurdles, Hemant Soren’s political journey continues to garner support from his party and allies. His leadership has been pivotal in the JMM’s strategy and governance in Jharkhand. As the newly sworn-in Chief Minister, Soren faces the dual challenge of navigating the state’s political landscape while addressing the legal accusations against him.
The JMM-led alliance’s decision to back Hemant Soren underscores their confidence in his leadership and ability to steer the state forward. The assembly elections and subsequent political maneuvers reflect the dynamic nature of Jharkhand’s political environment, where alliances and leadership decisions play crucial roles in shaping the state’s future.
As Hemant Soren takes on his third term as Chief Minister, the focus will be on how he manages the state’s governance amidst the legal proceedings. The ED’s move to approach the Supreme Court adds another layer of complexity to his tenure. The coming months will be critical in determining the political and legal outcomes for Soren and the broader implications for Jharkhand’s administration.
The political dynamics in Jharkhand, characterized by strategic alliances and legal challenges, highlight the intricate interplay between governance and judicial scrutiny. Hemant Soren’s third term as Chief Minister marks a significant chapter in this ongoing narrative, with the potential to shape the state’s political and developmental trajectory.
