Hemant Soren in Jharkhand Assembly: ‘Raj Bhavan played a role in my arrest, not accepting defeat’

A political crisis is unravelling in Jharkhand after Hemant Soren resigned as CM and was subsequently arrested on January 31 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case in an alleged land scam. Following his arrest, state transport minister and JMM leader Champai Soren staked claim to form the government and was appointed Chief Minister by the Governor on February 2.

“We have not yet accepted defeat. They (the BJP) think they can succeed by putting me behind bars, but this is Jharkhand where many people have laid down their lives,” Soren said in the Assembly.

Speaking on money laundering allegations against him, the former CM said, ” I will resign from politics if they show me any records of my ownership of the 8.3 acres of land. Agar hai himmat to dikhaaye (Show (the proof) if you have courage)… Leave retirement from politics, I will leave Jharkhand if BJP comes to the Vidhan Sabha with records of 8 .3 acres of land. I am not sad that they arrested me. But know that we will give them a befitting reply, politically, legally or otherwise.”

He went on to claim that the ‘conspiracy’ to arrest him was hatched because he comes from a Tribal community. “Why so much hate against me? No CM or any other leader of such stature have ever been arrested inside the Raj Bhavan. This happened because I come from the Tribal community,” Soren said.

Standing firm on his decision to not concede defeat, he added, “I won’t shed my tears, for you the tears of Adivasis don’t matter.”

The alleged land scam is linked to the ownership of a land parcel measuring 7.16 acres, in Bajra area of Ranchi, allegedly acquired through “proceeds of crime” involving illegal sale of Army land. IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan, also an accused in the case, is currently in judicial custody.

Following his arrest, a special court allowed Hemant Soren to participate in the floor test of the Champai Soren-led government in the state assembly today.

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