As suspense continues over Champai Soren’s next move, Jharkhand BJP chief Marandi says no talks held

Hemant Soren tried multiple times to reach out to Champai, but could not get in touch with him, JMM sources said

Amid speculation regarding former Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren’s next move a day after he said he was “humiliated” by the JMM, BJP state chief Babulal Marandi on Monday said there had been no discussions with the JMM leader regarding a switch to the BJP.

In a social media post on Sunday, Champai said he faced humiliation during the transfer of power in Jharkhand in July, when Hemant Soren took back the Chief Minister’s chair after walking out of jail. He said he was weighing three options – retire, join another party, or start a new one.

According to sources in the JMM, Hemant Soren has tried reaching out to Champai multiple times, but could not contact him.

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“Champai’s social media posts are farcical as various attempts have been made to talk to him in the past on this issue. On Saturday, CM Hemant Soren wanted to speak to him for a portfolio-related query. However, Champai Soren went incommunicado. When rumours went abuzz that Champai may be meeting BJP leaders, the CM wanted to speak again, but he was not able to,” a JMM source said.

Sources also said that two bureaucrats were tasked with getting in touch with Champai Soren, who reached New Delhi on Sunday, but they failed in their attempts.

There has been speculation that Champai was moving to the BJP, but on Monday, Jharkhand BJP chief Marandi said, “No talk was held yet with Champai Soren. He is a seasoned politician and has been part of the separate Jharkhand movement. He will himself decide his own path.”

Sources familiar with Champai Soren’s movements said he was visibly irked after a promised meeting with certain BJP leaders in Delhi did not come to fruition.

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“Now, one of the possible outcomes being deliberated is whether or not Champai will be able to garner some support from the BJP if he thinks of running independently or forming a new party. At the same time, the top leadership of the BJP has not met with Champai… However, tickets to return to Ranchi from New Delhi have been booked for Tuesday and whether or not he will be travelling will depend on certain scenarios,” a source said.

Another source close to Champai said that if he returns without any deal from New Delhi, he may resign from the JMM.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta of the Congress – a JMM ally – has criticised Champai. Gupta referred to Champai as ‘Vibhishan’, and alleged that he was trying to break the party that gave him everything.

Reacting to this, the BJP said if Champai is Vibhishan, then the current JMM-led government could be seen as ‘Ravan Raj’.

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In the Ramayan, Vibhishan turns his back on his brother Ravan, and joins forces with Ram.