THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, August 18: Amid the political turmoil in Jharkhand, former Chief Minister Champai Soren departed from Kolkata for Delhi on a flight this morning. He is expected to meet senior BJP leaders in Delhi, fueling speculation of a potential shift to the BJP, according to sources.
He arrived in Kolkata last night and met with BJP leaders there. Sources indicate that the Champai Soren had a meeting with BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata yesterday.
India Today reported citing sources that six MLAs are accompanying Champai Soren whereas NDTV reported that Soren is being accompanied by four other JMM leaders on his visit to the national capital.
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It was reported that recently, Lobin Hembrom, a senior leader expelled from the JMM and who lost his membership, met with Champai Soren at his residence in Ranchi. The two leaders held a conversation for about half an hour. Afterwards, Lobin mentioned to the media that it was just a routine discussion. Reportedly, Hembrom is also in contact with BJP.
On Saturday, Champai Soren dismissed the rumours of him joining the BJP, stating that he had no information regarding such matters. He added that he is where he is and is unaware of any rumours.
Champai Soren assumed the role of Jharkhand’s Chief Minister in February this year after Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the land scam case. His time as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand was short-lived, as he stepped down in July, enabling Hemant Soren to return as the state’s CM.
