KUMUD JENAMANI
Jamshedpur, Aug 21: The estranged former chief minister Champai Soren is likely to float a new outfit shortly having cut off his allegiance with the JMM-led coalition government dispensation.
New outfit with a prefix of Birsa Munda
Though the name of the new outfit is yet to be finalised, it will have a prefix of Birsa Munda or just Birsa, indicating that the outfit will be a common platform, especially for the tribals.
But before embarking on his new journey afresh, Champai Soren will wait for a couple of days to see if he will be given a suitable berth in the BJP. He will float the new party only after testing the saffron path which does not smooth his political ride.
On Wednesday, the former chief minister spent his whole time in his native place at Jhilingora under Gamharia block in the adjoining Seraikela-Kharsawan, interacting with his supporters.
Will not retire from politics
While addressing a gathering of his staunch supporters, Champai Soren declared that he would not retire from politics as he had posted his plan on X (earlier known as Twitter).
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“But before going for forming a new party I will want to see if any like-minded party that may be fitted with my ideology — working for the interest of tribals and downtrodden. If I find a suitable party, then I will go with the flow along, ” said the former chief minister addressing the gathering.
His mention of the like-minded party was obviously the BJP.
Champai to show his political clout to BJP top brass
A close aide of Champai Soren revealed while talking to The Jharkhand Story that the former CM’s priority is to join BJP — obviously with a position of the chief ministerial face of the saffron brigade in Jharkhand.
“Some senior BJP leaders are supposed to address a public meeting either in Ranchi or Jamshedpur shortly. Champai Soren will take the opportunity to show his strength at the meeting. Thousands of his supporters will be attending the meeting to send a message exactly how important the former CM would be for the saffron brigade’s electoral prospect, especially in Kolhan,” said the aide.
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Requesting anonymity, the aide stated that at the proposed meeting, Champai Soren will prove his popularity and strength vis-a-vis his potential rivals in the BJP, including Arjun Munda, Babulal Marandi and even for that matter Madhu Koda.
Until recently Champai Soren would reign Kolhan and definitely as a popular leader. But having parted way from the JMM, a void in the socio-political circle across the twin districts of Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan is distinct among his support base.
Hardly any car or SUV is seen passing the road here in Jamshedpur or elsewhere will a JMM flag at the vehicle’s flag stand. So is the case with the JMM flags at the buildings located in strategic points across the Kolhan.
“Moreover, as the assembly elections in the state are around the corner, Champai Soren wants to fill up the void by joining the BJP but on the condition of becoming a chief ministerial face. If he fails in his attempt, then he will be left with no other option but to form a new outfit,” pointed out one of the lieutenants of the former chief minister while talking to this correspondent.
