Today in Politics: Jharkhand Governor set to invite Hemant Soren to take oath as CM; Chandrababu to meet PM Modi

Decks have been cleared for Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) executive president Hemant Soren’s return as the Jharkhand Chief Minister now.

On Wednesday, Jharkhand CM and senior JMM leader Champai Soren stepped down from his post to pave the way for his predecessor Hemant, who is out on bail, to take charge of the party-led coalition government again.

Champai met Governor C P Radhakrishnan in the evening and tendered his resignation following which Hemant, 48, staked his claim to form the government.

The fast-paced developments took place hours after the leaders and MLAs of the JMM-led alliance held a meeting and named Hemant as their legislature wing leader. According to sources, they convinced Champai to step down for a smooth transfer of power, as Abhishek Angad reported.

A source who was present at this meeting, said, “Champai Soren was made the CM to avoid any instability and the mandate was for the grand alliance led by Hemant, which got a majority in the 2019 elections. However, there was initial reluctance on the part of Champai Soren, citing certain instability in the government if any further trouble is caused. Champai was then convinced and after a brief reluctance he became ready to give up the post.”

Sources said after the smooth transition of power, Hemant will attempt to fulfil his remaining pledges that will form his plank in the Assembly elections slated for November this year. On the campaign trail, he would also highlight how he was kept in jail for five months in a “false case and was forced to leave the post of the CM”, JMM insiders said.

Hemant was arrested by the ED five months ago in an alleged land scam case, which forced him to step down as the CM and pick Champai as his successor. On June 28, he was