In a stunning turn of events, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), has reappeared in Ranchi after being declared “missing” by the BJP. The disappearance unfolded amidst a backdrop of political drama involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED), money laundering allegations, and speculations about a potential change in leadership.
The saga began when ED officials failed to locate Chief Minister Soren for over 24 hours after reaching his Delhi address to question him in connection with an alleged racket of illegal land ownership changes in Jharkhand. The agency seized cash and a BMW car, but Soren was nowhere to be found. The BJP seized the opportunity, claiming that the Chief Minister was “on the run” and even offering a cash prize for information on his whereabouts.
However, the JMM maintained that they were in contact with Soren, and the BJP’s claims were part of a conspiracy to impose President’s rule in the state. The political heat escalated further with the ruling alliance MLAs being asked to stay in Ranchi, leading to intense speculation about the future.
Amidst the chaos, BJP MP Dr. Nishikant Dubey alleged a plan to name Soren’s wife, Kalpana, as the Chief Minister. This claim added a new layer to the unfolding political drama, hinting at a potential shift in leadership within the state.
The ED’s investigation into the alleged land ownership change racket involving the Chief Minister has been a focal point. The JMM accused the BJP-led Centre of utilizing probe agencies for political gains and questioned the timing of fresh summons issued to Soren. The JMM also criticized the armed presence during the search at Soren’s Delhi residence, raising doubts about the recovered cash and its origin.
The reappearance of Hemant Soren in Ranchi coincided with political developments in other states, with leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Ravindra Waikar facing ED questioning in separate cases.
The situation in Jharkhand has left the ruling alliance on edge, with fears of Soren’s potential arrest and the subsequent impact on the government’s stability. The Lokayukta’s inquiry into Soren’s properties further complicates the scenario, giving the Chief Minister a tight deadline to provide authentic details.
As the political landscape in Jharkhand remains uncertain, the ED’s actions in various states raise questions about the timing and approach of these investigations. The coming days will likely determine the fate of not only Chief Minister Hemant Soren but also the stability of the ruling government in Jharkhand amidst a flurry of political maneuvers.