'Operation Keechad Failed': Congress As Jharkhand CM Champai Soren Triumphs In Trust Vote

Jharkhand’s JMM-led coalition government headed by Chief Minister Champai Soren won the vote of confidence in the assembly today. Here are some reactions from the political sphere that poured in.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren secured victory in the crucial trust vote held in the state assembly on Monday. The JMM-led coalition government, comprising the JMM, Congress, and RJD, received backing from 47 MLAs, while 29 legislators opposed the confidence motion in the 81-member assembly. Independent legislator Saryu Roy chose to abstain.

Addressing reporters after the floor test, Champai Soren affirmed, "The implementation of Hemant Soren's schemes will be expedited. Our focus is on serving the people's interests effectively." Responding to BJP leaders' speculations about JMM MLAs defecting, he dismissed it as a recurring pattern seen in other states.

The CM responded "very soon" to a question about his government's cabinet expansion. 

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh expressed confidence in the coalition government's stability, asserting that BJP's efforts, including the arrest of Hemant Soren and delaying Champai Soren's oath, had been thwarted.

Ramesh told ANI: "There was no doubt. We were saying beforehand that we would win this Trust Vot with a good majority. 47 MLAs were in support. 'Operation Keechad' has failed. BJP's attempts of first arresting Hemant Soren, then delaying Champai Soren's oath for two days, have all been foiled. BJP has failed and our coalition government will go on for a year. After that, we will once again ask for people's mandate based on our work."

The trust vote victory was celebrated by coalition members, with JMM MP Mahua Maji praising it as a triumph of democracy and lauding Hemant Soren's strategic acumen.

"This is the victory of democracy. All MLAs were united and this became possible due to the cleverness of Hemant Soren. Impossible became possible here. I think this has become an example. All the non-BJP states that are threatened will try to follow in the footsteps of Hemant Soren," she told ANI. 

In response to the relocation of Jharkhand and Bihar Congress MLAs to Telangana, Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury defended the move, stating, "We are securing our MLAs against unethical practices. Their attempt to purchase support has been thwarted with our own resources."

Amid allegations of intimidation and conspiracy by the BJP, Jharkhand Minister Banna Gupta declared, "The democratic government chosen by the public will endure. We will seek the people's mandate based on our work when the time comes."

Responding to the development, JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan Singh criticised the Congress, stating, "If they don't trust their own MLAs, why should the public trust them?" AJSU Party President Sudesh Mahto raised concerns about corruption allegations and questioned the government's silence on the issue.

Reflecting on the events leading up to the trust vote, JMM MLA Hafizul Hassan told reporters: "Jharkhand has shown its strength, and this is a message to the entire country."

During the voting process, 77 MLAs were present in the assembly, with the ruling alliance receiving support from the lone CPIML(L) legislator. The opposition, led by the BJP, held 26 legislators, and three belonged to the AJSU Party.

Champai Soren assumed the position of Chief Minister on February 2, succeeding Hemant Soren, who faced arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case. The new Chief Minister, confident in his government's strength, scheduled the trust vote for February 5.