Hemant Soren’s succession strategy halted, JMM-Congress coalition queries: “What’s the Governor’s delay?”
On February 1, Jharkhand will commence without a Chief Minister, as the Governor informed the ruling JMM-Congress coalition that he would review their suggestion to appoint JMM’s Champai Soren as the legislature party leader after assessing all legal aspects. Chief Minister Hemant Soren tendered his resignation to Governor C P Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday night, shortly before being apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate.
According to sources, the JMM-Congress alliance, comprising 29, 17, and one MLA respectively, is in contrast to the Opposition, which includes 26 BJP MLAs and three AJSU representatives. Additionally, the CPI(M-L) and NCP (AP) each have one MLA, while there are two independents. The Governor’s lack of urgency has raised apprehensions within the JMM-Congress camp.
Congress MLA Dipika Pandey Singh expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the Governor declined to meet legislators from the ruling alliance. She remarked, “We were granted an audience by the Governor only to be abruptly dismissed. Despite demonstrating our majority, we were ousted. It appears that the Raj Bhavan is acting as an agent for the BJP, as all elected leaders were instructed to leave.”
Champai Soren, in a letter addressed to the Governor, asserted, “I have been elected as the leader of the Legislative Party during the JMM’s Legislative Party meeting. Furthermore, today, all esteemed MLAs from the alliance parties have unanimously elected me as the leader of the Joint Legislative Party. Attached to this letter are endorsements from the leader of the legislative party of the Indian National Congress, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, and other MLAs. Consequently, I have garnered support from 47 honorable members, exceeding the majority requirement. Therefore, I respectfully urge you to acknowledge my claim and proceed with appointing me as the Chief Minister to form the new government.”
Insiders within the ruling coalition voiced concerns that the delay in appointing a successor could escalate into “a constitutional dilemma.” “We possess the majority; what is hindering the Governor’s decision? Presently, there isn’t even an acting CM. Whom does the Governor aim to consult when there are no apparent issues?” queried a prominent leader.
Another individual remarked, “This delay provides an opportunity for interference… If a new CM isn’t inaugurated in the coming days, it will pose a significant issue.”
In a social media post, former BJP leader and Independent MLA Saryu Roy stated, “With Hemant Soren’s resignation as Chief Minister accepted by the Honorable Governor, Jharkhand finds itself without a Chief Minister or government. The state is facing a constitutional crisis. The only viable option currently is to implement a short-term President’s rule until an alternative government is established.”
Contrarily, Jharkhand speaker Rabindranath Mahato assured The Indian Express, saying, “Currently, there is no cause for concern as we hold the majority. The government will continue to operate as before. I don’t perceive any imminent threat – we have proven our majority before and are prepared to do so again at any time.”
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