Champai Soren : There is suspense over the next step of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM veteran Champai Soren. His Delhi visit also ended, there were speculations of joining the BJP but it did not happen. Speculations are still rife about his political moves ahead of the assembly elections in Jharkhand later this year. On Tuesday, he returned to Jharkhand but found himself alone. Four of his close aides have shown loyalty to current CM Hemant Soren. Champai reached Delhi last week and expressed disappointment through a tweet against the JMM leadership over his sudden removal from the CM post. It is not yet clear what will be Champai Soren's next step.

After Hemant's arrest, Champai took command

Hemant had chosen Champai as his successor after his arrest by the ED in January this year. However, the party removed Champai from the post in July after Hemant was released on bail. Hurt by this, Champai spoke out and his post started an uproar and the differences within the party came to the fore. It was reported that Champai had the support of four JMM allies and MLAs expelled from the party. His move shocked JMM and Hemant Soren and allowed the BJP to attack India Block and CM Hemant.

Hemant Soren has a strong hold on the party

But on Tuesday, Champai's position weakened and Hemant Soren strengthened his hold on the party. According to a report in the Times of India, four JMM MLAs said to be close to Champai met Hemant and denied speculation of joining the BJP. These four MLAs are Ramdas Soren (Ghatshila), Sanjeev Sardar (Potka), Mangal Kalindi (Jugsalai), and Samir Kumar Mohanty (Baharagora).

With MLA Ramdas Hemant

MLA Ramdas told reporters outside CM Hemant's residence, that Shibu Soren is our political guru and JMM is my home. I am not going anywhere. Hemant Babu met us and instructed us to speed up our preparations for the assembly elections as very little time is left now. JMM's West Singhbhum president Ramdas denied that Champai had approached him to rebel against Hemant. Ramdas said that we are in JMM and if Champai da is at the party, we will be with him.

Champai said, rumours are flying around

On the other hand, Champai, who was returning to Jharkhand on Tuesday, insisted that he did not contact any BJP leader during his Delhi visit. Champai said, I came here for personal work and do not understand who is spreading such rumors. Although the former CM's camp is silent on the next action, sources close to 68-year-old Champai said that he may reveal the next step by holding a public meeting in the coming days.