Champai Soren To Join BJP? JMM Leader's Sudden Delhi Trip Sparks Defection Buzz

Champai Soren, formerly Jharkhand's CM, flew to Delhi amid rumours of a JMM rift. He reportedly met BJP leader Suvendhu Adhikari and may consider switching alliances.

Amid speculation of his possible rift in Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Hemant Soren's close confidant Champai Soren arrived in Delhi Sunday afternoon. If rumours in the political quarters are to be believed, the former CM, who had to give up the chief ministerial post after Hemant Soren was released from jail, is mulling switching alliances and might seek a meeting with the top brass of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the national capital. 

When asked about his reason behind the sudden visit to the capital, the former Jharkhand CM said, "I have come here for personal work.". He also denied meeting BJP leader Suvendhu Adhikari in Kolkata the previous night. 

The rumours of possible defection started after a report by India Today said, Champai Soren spent the previous night at a hotel in Kolkata where he met BJP leader Suvendhu Adhikari. As per the report, six MLAs and his personal staff were accompanying him to Delhi, adding fuel to speculation of a political realignment.

The timing of his visit to Delhi also fueled speculation, especially because he is reportedly set to meet with BJP leaders during his stay, according to a report by NDTV.

Earlier on Saturday, Champai Soren refuted reports of his switching sides and said he had no idea over speculations about him joining the BJP. “I don’t know anything about such speculations and reports... I am where I am...” he told reporters in Ranchi before leaving for Jamshedpur.

Soren also said that his meeting with former JMM legislator Lobin Hembrom, who is reportedly in touch with BJP leaders, was a routine affair. "He (Hembrom) met me, but we had routine discussions," he said.

Hembrom was recently disqualified as a JMM MLA under the anti-defection law. 

To recall, Champai Soren was made Jharkhand Chief Minister following the arrest of Hemant Soren by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on corruption charges in January this year. However, after he was released from jail, Hemant Soren was again sworn in as the Chief Minister for the third time. Champai Soren, a longstanding JMM loyalist, stepped aside to facilitate this transition.

Quoting sources, news agency IANS reported that it required significant effort from the JMM strategists and Hemant Soren to persuade Champai Soren to step down. The report said Champai Soren reluctantly resigned after being taken aback by the party's decision. He reportedly had concerns about being replaced as the Chief Minister months before the upcoming Assembly elections in Jharkhand.