RANCHI: A fresh row has erupted in poll bound state of Jharkhand, after former Chief Minister, Champai Soren labeled serious allegations against the incumbent state government. Champai Soren, who was heading the state in absence of incumbent Chief Minister Hemant Soren has claimed that his security has been reduced by the state government.
“Ignoring all the rules and protocols, the state government has recalled the vehicles used for my security,” said Champai Soren, who has recently switched sides by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that he was humiliated in the party (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) of whom he has been a devoted cadre.
“I do not need any kind of security among my people in Jharkhand. The people of the state will answer this political conspiracy of playing with the security of a former Chief Minister,” added Champai.
सभी नियमों एवं प्रोटोकॉल को दरकिनार करते हुए राज्य सरकार ने मेरी सुरक्षा में लगे वाहनों को वापस बुला लिया है।
झारखंड में अपने लोगों के बीच मुझे किसी भी प्रकार की सुरक्षा की जरूरत नहीं है। एक पूर्व सीएम की सुरक्षा से खिलवाड़ की इस राजनैतिक साजिश का जवाब राज्य की जनता देगी।
— Champai Soren (@ChampaiSoren) September 25, 2024
Though contrary to the claims made by the former CM, the Jharkhand police in an official statement issued on Wednesday, September 25 denied any such allegations and clarified that Champai Soren has a Z+ security cover and a total of 73 security personnel have been deployed in his security.
Champai Soren as a CM was provided with Z+ security with Advanced Security Liaison (ASL), and is currently covered under Z+ security without ASL category, read the statement further. Only a few of the vehicles (4) which are mandatory part of the CM’s carcade are recalled, it added.
BJP slams State government
Meanwhile, the development has further escalated the ongoing political tug of war between the ruling coalition and the opposition. Speaking with the media, Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand State assembly, Amar Kumar Bauri slammed the state government over the development.
“The fear of defeat is haunting him (CM, Hemant Soren). He is so intimidated by Champai Soren that now he has started compromising with his security. All former CMs are still getting all the facilities.” Said Bauri.
VIDEO | “The fear of defeat is haunting him (Hemant Soren). He is so intimidated by him (Champai Soren) that now he has started compromising with his security. All former CMs are still getting all the facilities,” says Jharkhand LoP Amar Kumar Bauri (@amarbauri) after former CM… pic.twitter.com/FKhttgdXoI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 25, 2024
Notably, former CM, Champai Soren resigned from the prime membership of JMM along with the other portfolios held by him as a minister in the Hemant Soren led state government on August 28 this year.
The 7 term MLA from Saraiekela state assembly seat tendered his resignation citing disappointment over the current working style and policies of the party. A close confidant of JMM founder Shibu Soren, Champai following his resignation made startling revelations, claiming that he was humiliated and was even not informed about his removal from the post of CM prior to the meeting of the MLA group.
Read more at: How Champai Soren’s exit could impact JMM on tribal reserved seats in assembly polls……
Chamapi’s allegation led to a major political upheaval in the poll bound state of Jharkhand with many opposition leaders alleging the JMM for adhering to parivarvaad (nepotism) and insulting a popular tribal leader like Champai in the process.
His resignation from the JMM and subsequent joining in the BJP is expected to dent a damage to the former’s hold in the tribal community, particularly in Kolhan region where Champai is considered a tall figure.
It must be noted here that the tribal dominated State has 28 Scheduled Tribe reserved seats out of the 81 seats of the state assembly. The state is all set to hold assembly polls in the coming months, where while the JMM is hoping for a return to the power, the NDA alliance led by BJP will be battling hard for a comeback by routing the ruling coalition.
