Feature: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren returned to his residence in Ranchi on Tuesday, intensifying speculation as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeks to question him in a money laundering case. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleges that the Chief Minister is “missing” and evading the ED, while Hemant Soren expresses readiness to depose before the agency on Wednesday at 1:00 PM.
The ED officials, on a mission to question Soren, visited his Delhi residence on Monday but were unable to locate him. As part of their operation, the agency seized Hemant Soren’s BMW car and discovered ₹36 lakh in cash, along with what they deemed as “incriminating” documents during the search of his Delhi residence.
The BJP, in opposition, declared a reward of ₹11,000 for credible information leading to Hemant Soren’s arrest, further escalating the political tension. Governor CP Radhakrishnan has stated that he is closely monitoring the situation.
In response to the unfolding political crisis, all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the ruling coalition, consisting of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have been instructed to remain in Ranchi, adding to the intrigue surrounding potential developments.
Allegations of Succession Plan: Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, BJP leader Nishikant Dubey claimed that the JMM is contemplating making Hemant Soren’s wife, Kalpana Soren, the next Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Dubey suggested that MLAs have been summoned to Ranchi with their belongings, hinting at a potential succession move.
The political landscape in Jharkhand remains fluid as Hemant Soren’s interaction with the ED looms, with implications that could reshape the state’s political narrative. The situation is being closely watched as events continue to unfold.
