The 67-year-old individual received an invitation from Governor CP Radhakrishnan to partake in the oath-taking ceremony later this evening. This invitation comes after a period of more than 24 hours since the arrest of Hemant Soren in connection with an alleged money laundering case.
Champai Soren, a veteran leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, is set to be sworn in as the next Chief Minister of Jharkhand today. The 67-year-old received an invitation from the Governor to take the oath late in the evening, more than 24 hours after his predecessor Hemant Soren was arrested in an alleged money laundering case.
Governor CP Radhakrishnan’s decision to invite Champai Soren came shortly after their meeting on Thursday, where Champai Soren requested to be called for the oath-taking ceremony.
In a letter addressed to the Governor, Champai Soren expressed concern over the absence of a government in the state for 18 hours, highlighting the prevailing confusion. As the constitutional head, he urged the Governor to take prompt action in forming a popular government.
The BJP has 25 MLAs and the AJSU, or All Jharkhand Students Union, has three. The remaining seats are divided between the NCP and a Left party (one each) and there are three independent MLAs.
The slim majority has given rise to concern in the ruling alliance. Since before Hemant Soren’s arrest on Wednesday, the leaders have been insisting they have the numbers to form government.
Today, Champai Soren said, “We have submitted the report with 43 MLAs in our support. We expect the number will reach 46-47… so there is no problem. Our ‘gathbandhan’ (alliance), is very strong”.
The Governor was also shown a 49-second roll-call video of the MLAs backing Mr Soren, sources said.
Hemant Soren was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday evening subsequent to his meeting with the Governor and tendering his resignation from the highest position. The Enforcement Directorate has accused him of being implicated in a ₹ 600-crore land fraud and the subsequent money laundering activities.