Hours after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Ranchi on Wednesday (Jan 31), Jharkhand's former chief minister Hemant Soren said that he will not accept defeat.&nbsp;

Soren was apprehended by the ED after he demitted the Jharkhand chief minister's office.&nbsp;

Taking to X, Soren in his first reaction after the arrest wrote, “It's a break. life is a great battle. I have fought every moment, I will fight every moment. But I will not beg for compromise.”

“I will not give up in vain… I will not accept defeat… Jai Jharkhand!” he said.&nbsp;

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यह एक विराम है 
जीवन महासंग्राम है 
हर पल लड़ा हूं, हर पल लड़ूंगा 
पर समझौते की भीख मैं लूंगा नहीं 
 
क्या हार में, क्या जीत में 
किंचित नहीं भयभीत मैं 
लघुता न अब मेरी छुओ 
तुम हो महान, बने रहो 
 
अपने लोगों के हृदय की वेदना 
मैं व्यर्थ त्यागूंगा नहीं 
हार मानूंगा नहीं... 
 
जय झारखण्ड! <a href="https://t.co/oduWMRGOmQ">pic.twitter.com/oduWMRGOmQ</a>
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) <a href="https://twitter.com/HemantSorenJMM/status/1752748315912110358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The Enforcement Directorate apprehended Hemant Soren moments after he resigned from the position of Jharkhand chief minister.&nbsp;

After this, the 48-year-old politician was subsequently shifted to the probe agency's office. He was arrested in connection with the investigation into an alleged land scam in the state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-jharkhand-gets-new-cm-champai-soren-hemant-soren-resigns-amid-ed-raids-685596">India: Jharkhand to get new CM as Hemant Soren resigns, gets arrested by ED</a>

The arrest took place 48 hours after the federal agency meticulously carried out the plan for apprehending the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader in Delhi.&nbsp;

Even though teams were deployed at his Delhi residence as well as the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the national capital, he was reported to have successfully travelled to reach Ranchi via road on Tuesday (Feb 30).

“We have evidence that Hemant Soren had grabbed some parcel of land under probe in Jharkhand, which was illegally obtained by others through falsified documents,” an officer of the Enforcement Directorate was quoted as saying by Indian media organisations.&nbsp;

Later, a pre-recorded video of Soren before his arrest was released on social media. In the video, he was heard saying, "Most probably ED will arrest me today, but I am not worried as I am Shibu Soren's son...After a full day of questioning, they decided to arrest me in matters which are not related to me. No evidence has been found by them yet. They also tried to spoil my image by conducting raids at my Delhi residence. We have to fight a new fight now against those who commit atrocities against the poor, Adivasis, Dalit and the innocent."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren before his arrest by ED yesterday said, "Most probably ED will arrest me today, but I am not worried as I am Shibu Soren's son...After a full day of questioning, they decided to arrest me in matters which are not related to me. No… <a href="https://t.co/8c3b19yyOL">pic.twitter.com/8c3b19yyOL</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1752910173537288598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>High voltage drama ensues outside Raj Bhavan before Soren's arrest</h2>

High voltage drama ensued outside the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi on Wednesday evening (Feb 31)&nbsp;before Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in an alleged money laundering case. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India: Hemant Soren arrested by ED in land scam money laundering probe

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The arrest memo was signed by Soren only after he met Governor CP Radhakrishnan and submitted his resignation. After he stepped down, it was announced that ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's leader State Minister Champai Soren would be the next chief minister.&nbsp;

"The former chief minister insisted on meeting the Governor before signing his arrest memo," said a senior official in charge of the investigation while speaking to NDTV.

He added that Soren wished to parade his MLAs before the Governor.&nbsp;

"Three buses full of MLAs had reached the Raj Bhavan. But not all were allowed inside. He submitted a list of MLAs and only then he relented," the official said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Hours after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Ranchi on Wednesday (Jan 31), Jharkhand's former chief minister Hemant Soren said that he will not accept defeat.

Hours after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Ranchi on Wednesday (Jan 31), Jharkhand's former chief minister Hemant Soren said that he will not accept defeat. Soren was apprehended by the ED after he demitted the Jharkhand chief minister's office. Taking to X, Soren in his first reaction after the arrest wrote, “It's a break. life is a great battle. I have fought every moment, I will fight every moment. But I will not beg for compromise.” “I will not give up in vain… I will not accept defeat… Jai Jharkhand!” he said. यह एक विराम है जीवन महासंग्राम है हर पल लड़ा हूं, हर पल लड़ूंगा पर समझौते की भीख मैं लूंगा नहीं क्या हार में, क्या जीत में किंचित नहीं भयभीत मैं लघुता न अब मेरी छुओ तुम हो महान, बने रहो अपने लोगों के हृदय की वेदना मैं व्यर्थ त्यागूंगा नहीं हार मानूंगा नहीं... जय झारखण्ड! pic.twitter.com/oduWMRGOmQ — Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) January 31, 2024 × The Enforcement Directorate apprehended Hemant Soren moments after he resigned from the position of Jharkhand chief minister. After this, the 48-year-old politician was subsequently shifted to the probe agency's office. He was arrested in connection with the investigation into an alleged land scam in the state. Also read: India: Jharkhand to get new CM as Hemant Soren resigns, gets arrested by ED The arrest took place 48 hours after the federal agency meticulously carried out the plan for apprehending the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader in Delhi. Even though teams were deployed at his Delhi residence as well as the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the national capital, he was reported to have successfully travelled to reach Ranchi via road on Tuesday (Feb 30). “We have evidence that Hemant Soren had grabbed some parcel of land under probe in Jharkhand, which was illegally obtained by others through falsified documents,” an officer of the Enforcement Directorate was quoted as saying by Indian media organisations. Later, a pre-recorded video of Soren before his arrest was released on social media. In the video, he was heard saying, "Most probably ED will arrest me today, but I am not worried as I am Shibu Soren's son...After a full day of questioning, they decided to arrest me in matters which are not related to me. No evidence has been found by them yet. They also tried to spoil my image by conducting raids at my Delhi residence. We have to fight a new fight now against those who commit atrocities against the poor, Adivasis, Dalit and the innocent." #WATCH | Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren before his arrest by ED yesterday said, "Most probably ED will arrest me today, but I am not worried as I am Shibu Soren's son...After a full day of questioning, they decided to arrest me in matters which are not related to me. No… pic.twitter.com/8c3b19yyOL — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2024 × High voltage drama ensues outside Raj Bhavan before Soren's arrest High voltage drama ensued outside the Raj Bhavan in Ranchi on Wednesday evening (Feb 31) before Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in an alleged money laundering case. Watch: India: Hemant Soren arrested by ED in land scam money laundering probe The arrest memo was signed by Soren only after he met Governor CP Radhakrishnan and submitted his resignation. After he stepped down, it was announced that ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's leader State Minister Champai Soren would be the next chief minister. "The former chief minister insisted on meeting the Governor before signing his arrest memo," said a senior official in charge of the investigation while speaking to NDTV. He added that Soren wished to parade his MLAs before the Governor. "Three buses full of MLAs had reached the Raj Bhavan. But not all were allowed inside. He submitted a list of MLAs and only then he relented," the official said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren reacts after arrest, says 'it's a break, won't accept defeat'

Jharkhand minister Champai Soren will be the next chief minister of the east Indian state, after Hemant Soren resigned from the post ahead of his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (Jan 31)&nbsp;in an alleged money laundering case.&nbsp;

Champai's name surfaced amid reports and media speculations that Hemant's wife, Kalpana Soren, would assume the chief ministerial post. However, media reports noted that her name was rejected due to disagreement inside the party - Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-jharkhand-gets-new-cm-champai-soren-hemant-soren-resigns-amid-ed-raids-685596">Jharkhand to get new CM as Hemant Soren resigns, gets arrested by ED</a>&nbsp;

A minister from Jharkhand, Banna Gupta, told reporters outside the Raj Bhavan, "We have chosen Champai Soren as the leader of the Legislative Party. We came to the Raj Bhawan to request the Governor for the swearing-in ceremony."&nbsp;

JMM and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) supporting the Soren government elected Champai Soren as the leader of the legislative party.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Champai Soren?&nbsp;</h2>

Champai Soren, a member of the JMM representing Seraikella Assembly constituency, was first elected to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly in 2005 and has been a member of the House since then.&nbsp;

He also serves in the Jharkhand government as Minister of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Caste &amp; Backward class welfare.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-did-kalpana-soren-not-become-cm-due-to-party-rebellion-685609">Jharkhand: Did Kalpana Soren not become CM due to party rebellion?</a>&nbsp;

He has been close to&nbsp;Hemant Soren's father Late Shibu Soren since the party started.&nbsp;

Champai Soren is likely to become the seventh chief minister of Jharkhand. He has the support of over 41 MLAs - a number that is majority in the 80-member assembly.

He is a prominent tribal leader popular as 'Jharkhand's Tiger'. He played a crucial role in the movement for the separate state of Jharkhand.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Jharkhand minister Champai Soren will be the next chief minister of the east Indian state, after Hemant Soren resigned from the post ahead of his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (Jan 31) in an alleged money laundering case.

Jharkhand minister Champai Soren will be the next chief minister of the east Indian state, after Hemant Soren resigned from the post ahead of his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (Jan 31) in an alleged money laundering case. Champai's name surfaced amid reports and media speculations that Hemant's wife, Kalpana Soren, would assume the chief ministerial post. However, media reports noted that her name was rejected due to disagreement inside the party - Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). Also read: Jharkhand to get new CM as Hemant Soren resigns, gets arrested by ED A minister from Jharkhand, Banna Gupta, told reporters outside the Raj Bhavan, "We have chosen Champai Soren as the leader of the Legislative Party. We came to the Raj Bhawan to request the Governor for the swearing-in ceremony." JMM and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) supporting the Soren government elected Champai Soren as the leader of the legislative party. Who is Champai Soren? Champai Soren, a member of the JMM representing Seraikella Assembly constituency, was first elected to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly in 2005 and has been a member of the House since then. He also serves in the Jharkhand government as Minister of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Caste & Backward class welfare. Also read: Jharkhand: Did Kalpana Soren not become CM due to party rebellion? He has been close to Hemant Soren's father Late Shibu Soren since the party started. Champai Soren is likely to become the seventh chief minister of Jharkhand. He has the support of over 41 MLAs - a number that is majority in the 80-member assembly. He is a prominent tribal leader popular as 'Jharkhand's Tiger'. He played a crucial role in the movement for the separate state of Jharkhand. (With inputs from agencies)

Jharkhand Crisis: Who is Champai Soren? Tribal leader popular as ‘Jharkhand’s Tiger’ to be next CM

Amidst a lot of political drama, Champai Soren is set to become the new chief minister of the Indian state of Jharkhand, after Hemant Soren resigned from the post&nbsp;and was arrested by enforcement directorate officials.&nbsp;

Soren had been caught in controversy as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had been actively investigating him in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.

Jharkhand Minister Banna Gupta reportedly said, "We have chosen Champai Soren as the leader of the Legislative Party. We came to the Raj Bhawan to request the Governor for the oath ceremony."

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Minister Mahua Maji confirmed that Soren is in ED custody.

"The CM has gone to the Governor with the ED team to submit his resignation... Champai Soren will be the new Chief Minister... We have enough numbers," she added.&nbsp;

According to the latest updates, ED officials were seen departing from JMM leader Hemant Soren's residence, in a breakthrough development after a seven-hour-long presence at his Ranchi home.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2024-what-to-expect-for-the-defence-sector-685589">Budget 2024: What to expect for the defence sector</a>

Champai Soren, the Transport Minister and the likely new CM face, also holds Welfare portfolios for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Backward Classes.&nbsp;

<h2>Missing CM&nbsp;</h2>

Over a span of 48 hours, Soren vanished from his residence in Delhi. The 48-year-old had undergone questioning on January 20, leading to the issuance of a second summons for either January 29 or 31.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-snow-leopard-population-stands-at-718-reveals-first-ever-scientific-survey-685577">India's Snow Leopard population stands at 718, reveals first-ever scientific survey</a>

The investigating agency warned of taking independent action if a date was not chosen. Despite announcing his availability at his Ranchi home on January 31, Soren created a stir by flying to Delhi on a private plane and subsequently disappearing from his residence in the Indian capital by Sunday (Jan 28).

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2024-indian-parliaments-budget-session-begins-685588">Budget 2024: Indian parliament's budget session begins</a>

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Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 29 visited his Delhi residence, but he was not found.

Reportedly, he embarked on a secretive journey by road back to his residence in Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand.&nbsp; During a search of the premises, the agency purportedly&nbsp; discovered Rs 36 lakh (nearly $45.7k) in cash, which was confiscated along with his luxury SUV.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amidst a lot of political drama, Champai Soren is set to become the new chief minister of the Indian state of Jharkhand, after Hemant Soren resigned from the post and was arrested by enforcement directorate officials.

Amidst a lot of political drama, Champai Soren is set to become the new chief minister of the Indian state of Jharkhand, after Hemant Soren resigned from the post and was arrested by enforcement directorate officials. Soren had been caught in controversy as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had been actively investigating him in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. Jharkhand Minister Banna Gupta reportedly said, "We have chosen Champai Soren as the leader of the Legislative Party. We came to the Raj Bhawan to request the Governor for the oath ceremony." Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Minister Mahua Maji confirmed that Soren is in ED custody. "The CM has gone to the Governor with the ED team to submit his resignation... Champai Soren will be the new Chief Minister... We have enough numbers," she added. According to the latest updates, ED officials were seen departing from JMM leader Hemant Soren's residence, in a breakthrough development after a seven-hour-long presence at his Ranchi home. Also Read | Budget 2024: What to expect for the defence sector Champai Soren, the Transport Minister and the likely new CM face, also holds Welfare portfolios for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Backward Classes. Missing CM Over a span of 48 hours, Soren vanished from his residence in Delhi. The 48-year-old had undergone questioning on January 20, leading to the issuance of a second summons for either January 29 or 31. Also Read | India's Snow Leopard population stands at 718, reveals first-ever scientific survey The investigating agency warned of taking independent action if a date was not chosen. Despite announcing his availability at his Ranchi home on January 31, Soren created a stir by flying to Delhi on a private plane and subsequently disappearing from his residence in the Indian capital by Sunday (Jan 28). Watch | Budget 2024: Indian parliament's budget session begins × Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 29 visited his Delhi residence, but he was not found. Reportedly, he embarked on a secretive journey by road back to his residence in Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand. During a search of the premises, the agency purportedly discovered Rs 36 lakh (nearly $45.7k) in cash, which was confiscated along with his luxury SUV. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Jharkhand to get new CM as Hemant Soren resigns, gets arrested by ED

Hemant Soren, the chief minister of Indian state of Jharkhand, resigned on Wednesday (January 31) after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). After his arrest, his party&nbsp; Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chose Champai Soren to replace him as the chief minister of the eastern Indian state. There was media speculation that after Hemant Soren's arrest, his wife Kalpana Soren would assume the chief ministerial post. But instead, Champai Soren has been chosen as the leader for the CM's post.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey made a claim that a rebellion broke&nbsp;out in Soren's party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) over the issue of chief ministership.

Dubey claimed that 18 out of 29 MLAs did not favour Soren's wife Kalpana. He claimed that these MLAs wanted Basant Soren to be the chief minister. Basant Soren is the brother of Hemant Soren and a sitting MLA from Dumka.

"18 MLAs of JMM want Basant Soren to be the chief minister," said Dubey as quoted by news agency ANI.

As per media reports, on January 30, Hemant Soren was able to take signatures from JMM MLAs on two blank papers, one to support Kalpana Soren while the other to support Champai Soren. This was reportedly a contingency plan in case Hemant Soren gets arrested, which indeed happened.

India Today has reported that Sita Soren, wife of Hemant Soren's older brother Durga Soren, was also keen to assume chief ministerial office. Durga Soren passed away in 2009. Sita Soren is the sitting MLA from Jama assembly seat.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-jharkhand-gets-new-cm-champai-soren-hemant-soren-resigns-amid-ed-raids-685596">India: Jharkhand to get new CM as Hemant Soren resigns, gets arrested by ED</a>

Sita Soren has in past, been critical of Hemant Soren and considers herself as inheritor of JMM Supremo Shibu Soren's legacy as wife of his eldest son.

It has been reported that Sita Soren reacted negatively on the plan of making Kalpana Soren the next chief minister. To underline her objection, she reportedly even mentioned that her late husband had agitated for separate Jharkhand state.

Hemant Soren, the chief minister of Indian state of Jharkhand, resigned on Wednesday (January 31) after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). After his arrest, his party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chose Champai Soren to replace him as the chief minister of the eastern Indian state.

Hemant Soren, the chief minister of Indian state of Jharkhand, resigned on Wednesday (January 31) after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). After his arrest, his party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chose Champai Soren to replace him as the chief minister of the eastern Indian state. There was media speculation that after Hemant Soren's arrest, his wife Kalpana Soren would assume the chief ministerial post. But instead, Champai Soren has been chosen as the leader for the CM's post. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey made a claim that a rebellion broke out in Soren's party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) over the issue of chief ministership. Dubey claimed that 18 out of 29 MLAs did not favour Soren's wife Kalpana. He claimed that these MLAs wanted Basant Soren to be the chief minister. Basant Soren is the brother of Hemant Soren and a sitting MLA from Dumka. "18 MLAs of JMM want Basant Soren to be the chief minister," said Dubey as quoted by news agency ANI. As per media reports, on January 30, Hemant Soren was able to take signatures from JMM MLAs on two blank papers, one to support Kalpana Soren while the other to support Champai Soren. This was reportedly a contingency plan in case Hemant Soren gets arrested, which indeed happened. India Today has reported that Sita Soren, wife of Hemant Soren's older brother Durga Soren, was also keen to assume chief ministerial office. Durga Soren passed away in 2009. Sita Soren is the sitting MLA from Jama assembly seat. Also Read | India: Jharkhand to get new CM as Hemant Soren resigns, gets arrested by ED Sita Soren has in past, been critical of Hemant Soren and considers herself as inheritor of JMM Supremo Shibu Soren's legacy as wife of his eldest son. It has been reported that Sita Soren reacted negatively on the plan of making Kalpana Soren the next chief minister. To underline her objection, she reportedly even mentioned that her late husband had agitated for separate Jharkhand state.

Jharkhand: Did Kalpana Soren not become CM due to party rebellion?

Hemant Soren, chief minister of the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, on Wednesday (Jan 31) has filed case against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials under Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, multiple reports in Indian media said. The development took place as ED officials questioned the chief minister at his residence in Ranchi, the state capital. This is the second time ED officials have questioned Soren in last 10 days.

Opposition parties in India claim that the ED is being used by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the centre to target leaders who pose political challenges to BJP.

An action by ED thus assumes distinct political dimensions in India.

In Ranchi, orders under Section 144 of CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) are in effect. Section 144 of CrPC prohibits assembly of four or more persons in public.

<h2>Why is Hemant Soren facing ED action?</h2>

The officials claim that there a huge "mafia racket" in Jharkhand state which is involved in illegally changing ownership of land.

On Monday, ED officials searched Soren's official residence.

The officials have said that they seized Rs 3.6 million (USD 43,347), an SUV and some documents which were described in media as 'incriminating'.

Watch | India: ED raids Hemant Soren's Delhi residence over a land fraud case

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&nbsp;

Hemant Soren himself and his party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)&nbsp; dismissed the allegations against the Jharkhand CM.

JMM &nbsp;said on Tuesday that action against Soren was "unconstitutional".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ed-issues-5th-summons-to-kejriwal-in-excise-policy-money-laundering-case-685487">ED issues 5th summons to Kejriwal in excise policy money laundering case</a>

Soren has alleged that allegations and action against him was "motivated by political agenda" and was aimed at disrupting regular functioning of his government.

ED officials questioning Soren have reportedly asked for security in light of huge protests when Hemant Soren was questioned on January 20. On that day, Soren was interrogated for seven hours.

There is speculation in media that Soren would be arrested on Wednesday&nbsp;and JMM is reportedly making plans for all contingencies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hemant Soren, chief minister of the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, on Wednesday (Jan 31) has filed case against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials under Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, multiple reports in Indian media said.

Hemant Soren, chief minister of the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, on Wednesday (Jan 31) has filed case against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials under Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, multiple reports in Indian media said. The development took place as ED officials questioned the chief minister at his residence in Ranchi, the state capital. This is the second time ED officials have questioned Soren in last 10 days. Opposition parties in India claim that the ED is being used by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the centre to target leaders who pose political challenges to BJP. An action by ED thus assumes distinct political dimensions in India. In Ranchi, orders under Section 144 of CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) are in effect. Section 144 of CrPC prohibits assembly of four or more persons in public. Why is Hemant Soren facing ED action? The officials claim that there a huge "mafia racket" in Jharkhand state which is involved in illegally changing ownership of land. On Monday, ED officials searched Soren's official residence. The officials have said that they seized Rs 3.6 million (USD 43,347), an SUV and some documents which were described in media as 'incriminating'. Watch | India: ED raids Hemant Soren's Delhi residence over a land fraud case × Hemant Soren himself and his party Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) dismissed the allegations against the Jharkhand CM. JMM said on Tuesday that action against Soren was "unconstitutional". Also Read | ED issues 5th summons to Kejriwal in excise policy money laundering case Soren has alleged that allegations and action against him was "motivated by political agenda" and was aimed at disrupting regular functioning of his government. ED officials questioning Soren have reportedly asked for security in light of huge protests when Hemant Soren was questioned on January 20. On that day, Soren was interrogated for seven hours. There is speculation in media that Soren would be arrested on Wednesday and JMM is reportedly making plans for all contingencies. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren files complaint against ED officials under SC/ST Act

Amid the political crisis looming in the Indian state of Jharkhand as the state's Chief Minister Hemant Soren faces the threat of getting arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, reports suggest that his wife Kalpana is likely to take oath as the next CM if the arrest happens.&nbsp;

As per various media reports which cited the sources in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Party, Chief Minister Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana Soren is likely to take over the top job if the Enforcement Directorate arrests her husband in an alleged money laundering case. &nbsp;

Earlier this month, similar claims were made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, however, they were dismissed by the chief minister himself.&nbsp;

Soren had also ruled out the possibility of his wife contesting the elections shortly.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-officials-arrive-at-residence-of-jharkhand-cm-hemant-soren-in-delhi-684909">ED team camps at Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s Delhi house, BJP claims he is ‘absconding’&nbsp;</a>

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to question and later arrest Soren in the money laundering case on Wednesday (Jan 31). As per media reports, it was decided in a meeting of MLAs that his wife Kalpana will be made the next chief minister if that happens.

<h2>Who is Kalpana Soren?</h2>

As per media reports, Kalpana Soren has been involved in organic farming and runs a school. She owns three commercial buildings which cost nearly $601,826.&nbsp;

She has also regularly participated in programmes on women and children empowerment.

In 2022, Kalpana Soren made&nbsp;headlines after Chief Minister Soren was accused by former Chief Minister Raghubar Das of misusing his position to allot a plot in an industrial area to a company which is run by his wife.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: How did a Chief Minister go missing?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-did-a-chief-minister-go-missing-685289/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kalpana does not have any political background and originally hails from Odisha's Mayurbhanj district.

On February 7. 2006, she got married to Hemant Soren and later gave birth to two children - Nikhil and Ansh. The father of Kalpana is a businessman and her mother is a homemaker. Meanwhile, Kalpana has remained engaged in business and charity work.

She was born in Ranchi in 1976 and studied engineering and MBA. Because Kalpana Soren is not an MLA, to make her the chief minister, an MLA will be required to vacate his or her seat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the political crisis looming in the Indian state of Jharkhand as the state's Chief Minister Hemant Soren faces the threat of getting arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, reports suggest that his wife Kalpana is likely to take oath as the next CM if the arrest happens.

Amid the political crisis looming in the Indian state of Jharkhand as the state's Chief Minister Hemant Soren faces the threat of getting arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, reports suggest that his wife Kalpana is likely to take oath as the next CM if the arrest happens. As per various media reports which cited the sources in the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Party, Chief Minister Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana Soren is likely to take over the top job if the Enforcement Directorate arrests her husband in an alleged money laundering case. Earlier this month, similar claims were made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, however, they were dismissed by the chief minister himself. Soren had also ruled out the possibility of his wife contesting the elections shortly. Also read: ED team camps at Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s Delhi house, BJP claims he is ‘absconding’ The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to question and later arrest Soren in the money laundering case on Wednesday (Jan 31). As per media reports, it was decided in a meeting of MLAs that his wife Kalpana will be made the next chief minister if that happens. Who is Kalpana Soren? As per media reports, Kalpana Soren has been involved in organic farming and runs a school. She owns three commercial buildings which cost nearly $601,826. She has also regularly participated in programmes on women and children empowerment. In 2022, Kalpana Soren made headlines after Chief Minister Soren was accused by former Chief Minister Raghubar Das of misusing his position to allot a plot in an industrial area to a company which is run by his wife. Watch: Gravitas: How did a Chief Minister go missing? Kalpana does not have any political background and originally hails from Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. On February 7. 2006, she got married to Hemant Soren and later gave birth to two children - Nikhil and Ansh. The father of Kalpana is a businessman and her mother is a homemaker. Meanwhile, Kalpana has remained engaged in business and charity work. She was born in Ranchi in 1976 and studied engineering and MBA. Because Kalpana Soren is not an MLA, to make her the chief minister, an MLA will be required to vacate his or her seat. (With inputs from agencies)

India: All you need to know about Kalpana Soren, Hemant Soren's wife who can become Jharkhand's next CM

In India's Jharkhand, section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure&nbsp;(CrPC) has been put in place within a 100-metre radius of the Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence in Raj Bhavan and Enforcement Directorate office in Ranchi. Amid&nbsp;allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party that the JMM chief was "absconding" to avoid the Enforcement Directorate's probe into an alleged land scam case, Soren on Tuesday (Jan 30th) chaired a meeting with ministers of his ruling coalition.

This comes after Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials seized a luxury car belonging to the Jharkhand CM from his Delhi residence in connection with the ongoing probe into a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.

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Section 144 CrPc imposed within 100 meters radius of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's residence, Raj Bhavan and ED office in Ranchi <a href="https://t.co/0A67WQykf5">pic.twitter.com/0A67WQykf5</a>
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<h2>What is&nbsp;Section 144?</h2>

Section 144 of the CrPC of 1973 authorises the Executive Magistrate of any state or territory to issue an order to prohibit the assembly of four or more people in an area.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-officials-arrive-at-residence-of-jharkhand-cm-hemant-soren-in-delhi-684909">ED team camps at Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s Delhi house, BJP claims he is ‘absconding’&nbsp;</a>

<h2>Soren to record statement on Wednesday</h2>

In a letter to the Enforcement Directorate, Soren said that he will record his statement before the agency officials at 1 pm on Wednesday (Jan 31st) at his Ranchi residence. He also alleged that questioning him at this time&nbsp;— around budget&nbsp;— was a political move and was meant to disrupt the functioning of his government.

"You are well aware that the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly will be held between 2nd and 29th February 2024 and the undersigned will be pre-occupied with preparations for the same apart from other prior scheduled official engagements," said Soren's&nbsp;letter to ED's Ranchi office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-modi-comes-to-power-there-will-be-dictatorship-says-congress-chief-kharge-685004">If Modi comes to power 'there will be dictatorship,' says Congress chief Kharge</a>

"In these circumstances, your insistence to record a further statement of the undersigned on or before 31 January 2024 reeks of malice and reveals your political agenda to disrupt the functioning of the State Government and prevent an elected representative of the people from discharging his official duties," it added.

The "acts are malafide and politically motivated (and) stand vindicated. The issuance of summon to the undersigned is wholly vexatious and in colourable exercise of powers given by the statute," alleged the letter.

(With inputs from agencies)

In India's Jharkhand, section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been put in place within a 100-metre radius of the Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence in Raj Bhavan and Enforcement Directorate office in Ranchi.

In India's Jharkhand, section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been put in place within a 100-metre radius of the Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence in Raj Bhavan and Enforcement Directorate office in Ranchi. Amid allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party that the JMM chief was "absconding" to avoid the Enforcement Directorate's probe into an alleged land scam case, Soren on Tuesday (Jan 30th) chaired a meeting with ministers of his ruling coalition. This comes after Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials seized a luxury car belonging to the Jharkhand CM from his Delhi residence in connection with the ongoing probe into a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. Section 144 CrPc imposed within 100 meters radius of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's residence, Raj Bhavan and ED office in Ranchi pic.twitter.com/0A67WQykf5 — ANI (@ANI) January 30, 2024 × What is Section 144? Section 144 of the CrPC of 1973 authorises the Executive Magistrate of any state or territory to issue an order to prohibit the assembly of four or more people in an area. Also read | ED team camps at Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s Delhi house, BJP claims he is ‘absconding’ Soren to record statement on Wednesday In a letter to the Enforcement Directorate, Soren said that he will record his statement before the agency officials at 1 pm on Wednesday (Jan 31st) at his Ranchi residence. He also alleged that questioning him at this time — around budget — was a political move and was meant to disrupt the functioning of his government. "You are well aware that the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly will be held between 2nd and 29th February 2024 and the undersigned will be pre-occupied with preparations for the same apart from other prior scheduled official engagements," said Soren's letter to ED's Ranchi office. Also read | If Modi comes to power 'there will be dictatorship,' says Congress chief Kharge "In these circumstances, your insistence to record a further statement of the undersigned on or before 31 January 2024 reeks of malice and reveals your political agenda to disrupt the functioning of the State Government and prevent an elected representative of the people from discharging his official duties," it added. The "acts are malafide and politically motivated (and) stand vindicated. The issuance of summon to the undersigned is wholly vexatious and in colourable exercise of powers given by the statute," alleged the letter. (With inputs from agencies)

India: ‘Absconding’ Jharkhand CM Soren chairs meeting in Ranchi; Section 144 imposed around residence

An Enforcement Directorate team on Monday visited the Delhi residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to question him in connection with a money laundering investigation in an alleged land fraud case and camped there for over 13 hours.

Official sources claimed Soren was "missing" and could not be contacted by the federal agency but a family member alleged that a "false" narrative was being set to "delegitimise" the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader's position.

The member, who did not wish to be identified, claimed there were repeated communications to ED and compliance to the summons including willingness to record his statement on January 31, 2024 at 1 pm at his Ranchi residence.

Officials of the federal probe agency accompanied by Delhi Police personnel reached the 5/1 Shanti Niketan building in South Delhi around 9 am, while a large number of media persons stood outside.

Several ED officials were seen leaving the premises at around 10.30 pm but it was not clear if all members of the team had left. A source had earlier said the ED teams will be at the residence till Soren returns and that authorities are also keeping a vigil at the Delhi airport.

Soren had left Ranchi for Delhi on January 27, with his party saying on Monday that he had gone for personal work and will be back.

But the Jharkhand unit of the BJP claimed that the chief minister has been “absconding” for the last 18 hours, fearing action of the ED, and urged Governor CP Radhakrishnan to take cognisance of the matter as the "credibility and reputation of Jharkhand are at stake".

The ED had questioned Soren at his official residence in Ranchi on January 20 in the case and had issued a fresh summons to him asking him to confirm his availability for questioning on either January 29 or January 31, the official sources said, adding Soren had sent a communication to the agency but had not confirmed the date and time for questioning.

In an email to the federal agency on Sunday, the 48-year-old JMM executive president alleged that the ED actions were "motivated by political agenda" to disrupt the state government's functioning and claimed that its insistence to record his statement again on or before January 31 reeked of malice.

"Preserve video recording of seven-hour questioning (of January 20) to make available to the court of law," Soren said in the email while agreeing to record his statement on January 31 at the Ranchi residence.

In Delhi, ED officials moved out briefly from the CM's residence at 8 pm and checked a BMW car parked there before going back inside without replying to queries from the media.

"Our team came to the residence of the chief minister to question him but he is not here. The ED teams also went to the Jharkhand Bhawan and a few other locations but could not find the chief minister," a source said.

Some ED officials were later seen leaving the premises at around 10. 30 pm.

While the chief minister's office was tightlipped on the development, Jharkhand Governor Radhakrishnan said he was keeping a watch on the situation in the state in the wake of the ED summons to the CM.

"I am keeping a watch on the overall situation as the custodian of the Constitution. It is the job of the Governor, I am doing it. We will cross the bridge when it comes," he told reporters when queried about the options before the Raj Bhavan in the wake of the political situation in the state.

In the state capital Ranchi, security was tightened at the CM House, Raj Bhavan and central government offices on Monday as visuals from the south Delhi house of Soren flashed through the day.

A massive rally was taken out by the JMM workers in Ranchi accusing the ED of targeting Soren, who is the executive president of the ruling JMM. Protests were also held in Jamshedpur and other parts of the state.

“The CM went to Delhi for some personal work and he will be back. But, the ED action is uncalled for and unconstitutional. It seems that the move is politically motivated,” alleged JMM general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya.

BJP leaders, however, questioned the whereabouts of the CM.

“According to media sources, late at night Hemant ji, wearing slippers and covering his face with a sheet, ran away from his Delhi residence on foot. Ajay Singh, the security personnel of special branch who went with him to Delhi, is also missing,” Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi claimed in a post on X.

“The mobile phones of both of them have also been switched off. Since then, the ED and Delhi Police are searching for them. There cannot be any other example of such gross negligence regarding the security of the chief minister,” the former CM said.

"What could be more worrying and shameful that the chief minister of a state, who is holding a constitutional post, breaks the protocol and absconds," Marandi said. 
Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur alleged that confusion was being created surrounding Soren's location under a “well-designed conspiracy”.

“Attempts are being made to create a perception that the President's rule will be imposed in the state. People are spreading rumours that the CM is missing,” Thakur said.

Meanwhile, asked bout the possibility of imposition of the President's Rule in the state, the governor said it was just "guesswork" at present, adding that political parties should not get involved in it.

On Soren skipping ED summons in connection with a money laundering probe, he said, "I will tell you one thing - nobody is above the law... If the CM is not responding today, he has to respond tomorrow. " A top Jharkhand government official said, "It is an unprecedented situation here. No one knows the whereabouts of the chief minister."

The agency had recorded the statement of the 48-year-old chief minister for the first time in the case on January 20 after investigators went to his official residence in Ranchi.

They recorded his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) during the about seven hours they spent at his home and put about 17-18 questions to the CM.

It is understood that as the questioning did not finish on that day, a fresh summons was issued.

The investigation pertains to a "huge racket of illegal change of ownership of land by the mafia" in Jharkhand, according to the agency.

The ED has, so far, arrested 14 people in the case, including 2011-batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan who served as the director of the state's Social Welfare Department and deputy commissioner of Ranchi.&nbsp;

An Enforcement Directorate team on Monday visited the Delhi residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to question him in connection with a money laundering investigation in an alleged land fraud case and camped there for over 13 hours.

An Enforcement Directorate team on Monday visited the Delhi residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to question him in connection with a money laundering investigation in an alleged land fraud case and camped there for over 13 hours. Official sources claimed Soren was "missing" and could not be contacted by the federal agency but a family member alleged that a "false" narrative was being set to "delegitimise" the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader's position. The member, who did not wish to be identified, claimed there were repeated communications to ED and compliance to the summons including willingness to record his statement on January 31, 2024 at 1 pm at his Ranchi residence. Officials of the federal probe agency accompanied by Delhi Police personnel reached the 5/1 Shanti Niketan building in South Delhi around 9 am, while a large number of media persons stood outside. Several ED officials were seen leaving the premises at around 10.30 pm but it was not clear if all members of the team had left. A source had earlier said the ED teams will be at the residence till Soren returns and that authorities are also keeping a vigil at the Delhi airport. Soren had left Ranchi for Delhi on January 27, with his party saying on Monday that he had gone for personal work and will be back. But the Jharkhand unit of the BJP claimed that the chief minister has been “absconding” for the last 18 hours, fearing action of the ED, and urged Governor CP Radhakrishnan to take cognisance of the matter as the "credibility and reputation of Jharkhand are at stake". The ED had questioned Soren at his official residence in Ranchi on January 20 in the case and had issued a fresh summons to him asking him to confirm his availability for questioning on either January 29 or January 31, the official sources said, adding Soren had sent a communication to the agency but had not confirmed the date and time for questioning. In an email to the federal agency on Sunday, the 48-year-old JMM executive president alleged that the ED actions were "motivated by political agenda" to disrupt the state government's functioning and claimed that its insistence to record his statement again on or before January 31 reeked of malice. "Preserve video recording of seven-hour questioning (of January 20) to make available to the court of law," Soren said in the email while agreeing to record his statement on January 31 at the Ranchi residence. In Delhi, ED officials moved out briefly from the CM's residence at 8 pm and checked a BMW car parked there before going back inside without replying to queries from the media. "Our team came to the residence of the chief minister to question him but he is not here. The ED teams also went to the Jharkhand Bhawan and a few other locations but could not find the chief minister," a source said. Some ED officials were later seen leaving the premises at around 10. 30 pm. While the chief minister's office was tightlipped on the development, Jharkhand Governor Radhakrishnan said he was keeping a watch on the situation in the state in the wake of the ED summons to the CM. "I am keeping a watch on the overall situation as the custodian of the Constitution. It is the job of the Governor, I am doing it. We will cross the bridge when it comes," he told reporters when queried about the options before the Raj Bhavan in the wake of the political situation in the state. In the state capital Ranchi, security was tightened at the CM House, Raj Bhavan and central government offices on Monday as visuals from the south Delhi house of Soren flashed through the day. A massive rally was taken out by the JMM workers in Ranchi accusing the ED of targeting Soren, who is the executive president of the ruling JMM. Protests were also held in Jamshedpur and other parts of the state. “The CM went to Delhi for some personal work and he will be back. But, the ED action is uncalled for and unconstitutional. It seems that the move is politically motivated,” alleged JMM general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya. BJP leaders, however, questioned the whereabouts of the CM. “According to media sources, late at night Hemant ji, wearing slippers and covering his face with a sheet, ran away from his Delhi residence on foot. Ajay Singh, the security personnel of special branch who went with him to Delhi, is also missing,” Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi claimed in a post on X. “The mobile phones of both of them have also been switched off. Since then, the ED and Delhi Police are searching for them. There cannot be any other example of such gross negligence regarding the security of the chief minister,” the former CM said. "What could be more worrying and shameful that the chief minister of a state, who is holding a constitutional post, breaks the protocol and absconds," Marandi said. Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur alleged that confusion was being created surrounding Soren's location under a “well-designed conspiracy”. “Attempts are being made to create a perception that the President's rule will be imposed in the state. People are spreading rumours that the CM is missing,” Thakur said. Meanwhile, asked bout the possibility of imposition of the President's Rule in the state, the governor said it was just "guesswork" at present, adding that political parties should not get involved in it. On Soren skipping ED summons in connection with a money laundering probe, he said, "I will tell you one thing - nobody is above the law... If the CM is not responding today, he has to respond tomorrow. " A top Jharkhand government official said, "It is an unprecedented situation here. No one knows the whereabouts of the chief minister." The agency had recorded the statement of the 48-year-old chief minister for the first time in the case on January 20 after investigators went to his official residence in Ranchi. They recorded his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) during the about seven hours they spent at his home and put about 17-18 questions to the CM. It is understood that as the questioning did not finish on that day, a fresh summons was issued. The investigation pertains to a "huge racket of illegal change of ownership of land by the mafia" in Jharkhand, according to the agency. The ED has, so far, arrested 14 people in the case, including 2011-batch IAS officer Chhavi Ranjan who served as the director of the state's Social Welfare Department and deputy commissioner of Ranchi.

ED team camps at Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s Delhi house, BJP claims he is ‘absconding’ 

An Enforcement Directorate team on Monday visited the residence of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren in Delhi in connection with a money laundering investigation. Reports suggest that Hemant Soren will appear before the probe agency on January 31.

India: ED raids Hemant Soren's Delhi residence over a land fraud case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is searching 10 locations in Ranchi and Rajasthan in a money laundering case linked to illegal mining in Jharkhand, sources said. Those who have been searched include Abhishek Prasad, the press adviser of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided not to appear before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning, citing the notice as illegal.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Delhi's Kejriwal under corruption watchdog's lens

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday raided locations of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's press advisor Abhishek Prasad as part of a money laundering probe into alleged illegal mining in the state.

India: ED raids close associates of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren

India: Jharkhand CM's press advisor Abhishek Prasad under ED lens

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday raided the premises of close associates&nbsp;of Hemant Soren in Ranchi, chief minister of the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand. The raids were part of an ongoing&nbsp;alleged illegal mining case in Sahibganj.

According to news agency ANI, the federal agency carried out the raids on Soren's press advisor Abhishek Prasad alias Pintu,&nbsp;Sahibganj deputy commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav as well as an architect in connection with an illegal mining case.&nbsp;

The raids come a day after Soren refused to pay heed to the seventh summon issued by the ED, requesting&nbsp;him to join the investigation.

"Since you have not come to the office of the Directorate of Enforcement in obedience to the summonses issued to you, we are giving you this last opportunity to record your statement under section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, at the place, date and time, mutually convenient to you as well as the undersigned (ED), which should be within 7 days of receipt of this notice/Summons," read the seventh ED summon.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-corruption-criminal-cases-plague-polls-race-to-power-651667">Watch |&nbsp;India elections: Corruption, criminal cases plague polls | Race to Power</a>

<h2>Soren to challenge ED's investigation&nbsp;</h2>

Soren has refused to comply with the authorities saying summons are 'illegal' and that he would challenge the entire investigation in a court of law.&nbsp;

"He has also accused ED of making the media trial of the whole matter. In his reply, he also said that he had already given the details of the properties. He has also accused ED of trying to destabilize the government," a source was quoted as saying by ANI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-currency-machines-give-in-as-i-t-raids-in-india-recover-42m-from-congress-dhiraj-sahu-668349">Also read |&nbsp;Explained: Currency machines 'give in' as I-T raids in India recover $42mn from Congress' Dhiraj Sahu</a>

Notably, Soren's press advisor has been previously questioned in the Sahibganj case over allegations that he owned mines there.&nbsp;

“Yes, I do own mines, but the consent to operate was given to me during (former CM) Raghubar Das’s time," he told The Indian Express newspaper earlier.&nbsp;

There have been speculations that&nbsp;Soren's party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha was planning&nbsp;to make his wife&nbsp;Kalpana Soren the chief minister in case ED makes some breakthrough in its investigation. However, Soren refuted the speculations, saying there was not an iota of truth to them.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday raided the premises of close associates of Hemant Soren in Ranchi, chief minister of the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand.

The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday raided the premises of close associates of Hemant Soren in Ranchi, chief minister of the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand. The raids were part of an ongoing alleged illegal mining case in Sahibganj. According to news agency ANI, the federal agency carried out the raids on Soren's press advisor Abhishek Prasad alias Pintu, Sahibganj deputy commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav as well as an architect in connection with an illegal mining case. The raids come a day after Soren refused to pay heed to the seventh summon issued by the ED, requesting him to join the investigation. "Since you have not come to the office of the Directorate of Enforcement in obedience to the summonses issued to you, we are giving you this last opportunity to record your statement under section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, at the place, date and time, mutually convenient to you as well as the undersigned (ED), which should be within 7 days of receipt of this notice/Summons," read the seventh ED summon. Watch | India elections: Corruption, criminal cases plague polls | Race to Power Soren to challenge ED's investigation Soren has refused to comply with the authorities saying summons are 'illegal' and that he would challenge the entire investigation in a court of law. "He has also accused ED of making the media trial of the whole matter. In his reply, he also said that he had already given the details of the properties. He has also accused ED of trying to destabilize the government," a source was quoted as saying by ANI. Also read | Explained: Currency machines 'give in' as I-T raids in India recover $42mn from Congress' Dhiraj Sahu Notably, Soren's press advisor has been previously questioned in the Sahibganj case over allegations that he owned mines there. “Yes, I do own mines, but the consent to operate was given to me during (former CM) Raghubar Das’s time," he told The Indian Express newspaper earlier. There have been speculations that Soren's party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha was planning to make his wife Kalpana Soren the chief minister in case ED makes some breakthrough in its investigation. However, Soren refuted the speculations, saying there was not an iota of truth to them. (With inputs from agencies)

India: ED raids premises of associates close to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren

Altogether 180 migrant workers reached Jharkhand from Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Saturday by a state-sponsored charter flight, expressing relief from over two-month-long hardships due to lockdown.

Migrants were flown back home from Andaman and&nbsp;Nicobar a day after 60 stranded workers returned to the state from Leh by a service flight arranged by the state government.

"The expenses of both the flights are borne by the Hemant Soren government", an official statement said here. 
The returnees will be sent by buses to their respective districts after health test, officials said.

The migrants said they were given food and shelter by the Andaman administration, NGOs and fellow natives, settled in the island for several decades.

Migrant workers were flown back home in charter flights by the Jharkhand government after the chief minister wrote to Union Home minister Amit Shah on May 21, seeking permission to operate flights to bring back stranded migrant workers from Andaman-Nicobar Islands, Ladakh and the northeast as they could not be ferried by buses or trains.

The returnees from Andaman and&nbsp;Nicobar had requested the Jharkhand government to make arrangement for their return as they were stranded in the Island following the nationwide lockdown.

The chief minister had also agreed that bringing migrants from some places by train or buses was very difficult and air route was necessary to end mental stress of the migrants.

After emerging from Ranchi's Birsa Munda Airport, a labourer said, "Many of us worked in road construction projects and endured much pain due to the lockdown."

He said they were engaged in road construction between South Andaman and North Andaman.

Another labourer said, "We were staying in South Andaman and got food from the administration, NGOs and some people from Jharkhand who have stayed there for a long time."

The migrants went through health screening before they boarded the flight at Port Blair, officials said.

Four years ago, a young tribal woman, who then worked in a shop there, had told visiting journalists from Jharkhand that her forefathers had come to the Island from the state several decades ago and their generations have settled there and also contributed to the development of Andaman.

"Now several generations have settled here (Andaman) and are earning livelihood," she said, tracing her roots to Jharkhand.

According to a Port Blair-based journalist, several natives of this region of the country, which is now known as Jharkhand, were brought to the island in 1930s by the British for infrastructure works and they stayed there since.

"Even a place is named as 'Ranchi-Tegri' and some of the states natives also stay at Bartang," he said.

Nearly 4.5 lakh of around 7 lakh migrant workers spread across the country have reached Jharkhand since May 1 by special trains, buses and now flights.

Till Friday, 313 out of the total 522 confirmed coronavirus cases are migrants. The infection has claimed five lives since the outbreak of the pandemic on March 31.

Jharkhand Water and&nbsp;Sanitation Minister Mithilesh Thakur, who reached the airport to welcome the third batch of migrants returning by flight in as many days, said another flight would take off from Andaman on Sunday.

"This is the third flight which brought migrant workers from places where trains or buses are difficult to bring them. Tomorrow another flight will take off from Andaman &amp; Nicobar Island," Thakur told reporters.

"The government is working to give employment to them in the state," he added.

Besides Thakur, senior MLA and former deputy chief minister Stephen Marandi was also present at the airport and handed food packets to returnees.

They said Jharkhand is the state where the first train and the first flight carrying migrant pravasis reached the state during the lockdown.

A migrant, who hails from Bokaro said, "We were in distress, but now feel relieved after reaching Ranchi."

Altogether 180 migrant workers reached Jharkhand from Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Saturday by a state-sponsored charter flight, expressing relief from over two-month-long hardships due to lockdown.

Altogether 180 migrant workers reached Jharkhand from Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Saturday by a state-sponsored charter flight, expressing relief from over two-month-long hardships due to lockdown. Migrants were flown back home from Andaman and Nicobar a day after 60 stranded workers returned to the state from Leh by a service flight arranged by the state government. "The expenses of both the flights are borne by the Hemant Soren government", an official statement said here. The returnees will be sent by buses to their respective districts after health test, officials said. The migrants said they were given food and shelter by the Andaman administration, NGOs and fellow natives, settled in the island for several decades. Migrant workers were flown back home in charter flights by the Jharkhand government after the chief minister wrote to Union Home minister Amit Shah on May 21, seeking permission to operate flights to bring back stranded migrant workers from Andaman-Nicobar Islands, Ladakh and the northeast as they could not be ferried by buses or trains. The returnees from Andaman and Nicobar had requested the Jharkhand government to make arrangement for their return as they were stranded in the Island following the nationwide lockdown. The chief minister had also agreed that bringing migrants from some places by train or buses was very difficult and air route was necessary to end mental stress of the migrants. After emerging from Ranchi's Birsa Munda Airport, a labourer said, "Many of us worked in road construction projects and endured much pain due to the lockdown." He said they were engaged in road construction between South Andaman and North Andaman. Another labourer said, "We were staying in South Andaman and got food from the administration, NGOs and some people from Jharkhand who have stayed there for a long time." The migrants went through health screening before they boarded the flight at Port Blair, officials said. Four years ago, a young tribal woman, who then worked in a shop there, had told visiting journalists from Jharkhand that her forefathers had come to the Island from the state several decades ago and their generations have settled there and also contributed to the development of Andaman. "Now several generations have settled here (Andaman) and are earning livelihood," she said, tracing her roots to Jharkhand. According to a Port Blair-based journalist, several natives of this region of the country, which is now known as Jharkhand, were brought to the island in 1930s by the British for infrastructure works and they stayed there since. "Even a place is named as 'Ranchi-Tegri' and some of the states natives also stay at Bartang," he said. Nearly 4.5 lakh of around 7 lakh migrant workers spread across the country have reached Jharkhand since May 1 by special trains, buses and now flights. Till Friday, 313 out of the total 522 confirmed coronavirus cases are migrants. The infection has claimed five lives since the outbreak of the pandemic on March 31. Jharkhand Water and Sanitation Minister Mithilesh Thakur, who reached the airport to welcome the third batch of migrants returning by flight in as many days, said another flight would take off from Andaman on Sunday. "This is the third flight which brought migrant workers from places where trains or buses are difficult to bring them. Tomorrow another flight will take off from Andaman & Nicobar Island," Thakur told reporters. "The government is working to give employment to them in the state," he added. Besides Thakur, senior MLA and former deputy chief minister Stephen Marandi was also present at the airport and handed food packets to returnees. They said Jharkhand is the state where the first train and the first flight carrying migrant pravasis reached the state during the lockdown. A migrant, who hails from Bokaro said, "We were in distress, but now feel relieved after reaching Ranchi."

After Leh, Jharkhand government flies 180 migrants from Andaman in charter flight

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is in Delhi to discuss the cabinet expansion with top leaders of the Congress party including its president Sonia Gandhi on Monday, reported news agency ANI.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren is in Delhi to discuss the cabinet expansion with top leaders of the Congress party including its president Sonia Gandhi on Monday, reported news agency ANI. "Tomorrow there is a meeting of the like-minded parties for which I have come here. We will meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi. There is a need to expand the Cabinet in the state so that as a Chief Minister I can focus on other important matters as well," Chief Minister Soren was quoted as saying to the reporters. According to sources, by January 15 or 16, the whole process for the expansion of Cabinet will be completed. "The final decision has to be taken by Sonia Gandhi. But the Congress should get six ministerial berths. In the last government, Congress had five ministers. This time the Congress has won more seats," said Congress MLA from Jharkhand Irfan Ansari. Ansari further said: "I am a doctor and a loyal soldier of the Congress. I also want to work in the health sector in Jharkhand. It will be good if I am made the Health Minister." Soren was recently sworn in as the 11th Chief Minister of Jharkhand after the JMM-Congress-RJD alliance won a comfortable majority by securing 47 seats in the 81-member House in the Assembly elections held in December last year.

Hemant Soren in Delhi to discuss Cabinet expansion with Congress leaders

When I travelled across Jharkhand- my home state in 2017 - public opinion was still in the BJP's favour. Saffron flags could be seen outside houses in a tribal village on the outskirts of Ranchi. People said that BJP volunteers met them and that they are hopeful that the government will bring development. The changes that central schemes like Ujjwala Yojana brought were visible as many houses got gas connections. Many of them built toilets from the funds allotted by the government.

Yet, the BJP's defeat was in the offing months ahead of the state elections. Polling in Jharkhand was underway when the Citizenship Amendment Act&nbsp;was passed by Parliament but national politics had little impact on the state elections which was fought on regional issues.

Raghubar Das who not only became the state’s first non-tribal chief minister, but also the first to complete a full five-year term was an unknown figure when he took over the post.

His compatriot and former CM Arjun Munda remained much popular. Munda was also a formidable tribal leader in the state.

But Das’ rift with Munda was an open secret and this meant that the latter was mostly not involved in campaigning.

It didn’t help much for an already unpopular CM to sideline well-known veterans and give tickets to Congress turncoats. Anti-corruption crusader Saryu Rai who spoke against tainted ministers in Das’ cabinet was denied a ticket.

Rai later defeated Das as an independent from Jamshedpur East.

The BJP hardly won any seat in the tribal belt while Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) swept the region. Tribal discontent against the government was growing. One of the major concerns was proposed amendments to two land laws- the Chotanagpur Tenancy and the Santhal Parganas Act.

The amendments which did not materialise sought to lift restrictions on the sale of tribals' land to industries. The opposition dubbed the government as 'anti-tribal' and a lack of communication with the people made the situation worse for the BJP.

While Das addressed rallies in Hindi, his rival Hemant Soren - a tribal leader - spoke in regional languages.

The lack of a prominent tribal face was made worse by the saffron party’s fallout with its ally All Jharkhand Student’s Union (AJSU) which was popular among the tribals as well as the OBCs.

The BJP eventually fought the elections alone in a state where no party has been able to secure a majority on its own.

Policy failures too served a blow to the BJP government. The global investors’ summit ‘Momentum Jharkhand’ gained a lot of traction but failed on the ground. The event failed to create jobs and attract investments as the state lacked enough infrastructure to support the establishment of new industries. And once again, the government failed to assuage tribal anger on the issue of land. This as new industrial projects meant acquisition of land in tribal areas. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

When I travelled across Jharkhand- my home state in 2017 - public opinion was still in the BJP's favour. Saffron flags could be seen outside houses in a tribal village on the outskirts of Ranchi.

When I travelled across Jharkhand- my home state in 2017 - public opinion was still in the BJP's favour. Saffron flags could be seen outside houses in a tribal village on the outskirts of Ranchi. People said that BJP volunteers met them and that they are hopeful that the government will bring development. The changes that central schemes like Ujjwala Yojana brought were visible as many houses got gas connections. Many of them built toilets from the funds allotted by the government. Yet, the BJP's defeat was in the offing months ahead of the state elections. Polling in Jharkhand was underway when the Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by Parliament but national politics had little impact on the state elections which was fought on regional issues. Raghubar Das who not only became the state’s first non-tribal chief minister, but also the first to complete a full five-year term was an unknown figure when he took over the post. His compatriot and former CM Arjun Munda remained much popular. Munda was also a formidable tribal leader in the state. But Das’ rift with Munda was an open secret and this meant that the latter was mostly not involved in campaigning. It didn’t help much for an already unpopular CM to sideline well-known veterans and give tickets to Congress turncoats. Anti-corruption crusader Saryu Rai who spoke against tainted ministers in Das’ cabinet was denied a ticket. Rai later defeated Das as an independent from Jamshedpur East. The BJP hardly won any seat in the tribal belt while Hemant Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) swept the region. Tribal discontent against the government was growing. One of the major concerns was proposed amendments to two land laws- the Chotanagpur Tenancy and the Santhal Parganas Act. The amendments which did not materialise sought to lift restrictions on the sale of tribals' land to industries. The opposition dubbed the government as 'anti-tribal' and a lack of communication with the people made the situation worse for the BJP. While Das addressed rallies in Hindi, his rival Hemant Soren - a tribal leader - spoke in regional languages. The lack of a prominent tribal face was made worse by the saffron party’s fallout with its ally All Jharkhand Student’s Union (AJSU) which was popular among the tribals as well as the OBCs. The BJP eventually fought the elections alone in a state where no party has been able to secure a majority on its own. Policy failures too served a blow to the BJP government. The global investors’ summit ‘Momentum Jharkhand’ gained a lot of traction but failed on the ground. The event failed to create jobs and attract investments as the state lacked enough infrastructure to support the establishment of new industries. And once again, the government failed to assuage tribal anger on the issue of land. This as new industrial projects meant acquisition of land in tribal areas. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Tribal disconnect, policy failures led to BJP's loss in Jharkhand

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-protests-in-parliament-demands-inclusion-of-bill-on-unauthorised-colonies-in-winter-session-263360">Aam Aadmi Party</a> (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-praises-centre-for-developing-peripheral-expressways-to-curb-pollution-268220">Arvind Kejriwal</a> will not be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Hemant Soren as Jharkhand Chief Minister on Sunday.

The chief minister has been invited for the ceremony but on behalf of him, party MP Sanjay Singh will attend the ceremony today.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Soren will take oath as 11th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-jharkhands-new-chief-minister-hemant-soren-269825">Chief Minister of Jharkhand</a> in Ranchi today at Morabadi Ground at 2 pm.

Meanwhile, Chief Ministers of as many as five states have confirmed their presence. West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-mamata-leads-another-anti-caa-march-tells-students-to-continue-their-protest-270362">Mamata Banerjee</a>, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray are likely to attend the ceremony.

The other leaders who are likely to be present on the occasion include HD Kumaraswamy, KC Venugopal, N Chandrababu Naidu, Harish Rawat, DMK MP Kanimozhi, TR Balu, Sharad Yadav, and Ahmed Patel.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will not be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Hemant Soren as Jharkhand Chief Minister on Sunday.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will not be attending the swearing-in ceremony of Hemant Soren as Jharkhand Chief Minister on Sunday. The chief minister has been invited for the ceremony but on behalf of him, party MP Sanjay Singh will attend the ceremony today. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Soren will take oath as 11th Chief Minister of Jharkhand in Ranchi today at Morabadi Ground at 2 pm. Meanwhile, Chief Ministers of as many as five states have confirmed their presence. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray are likely to attend the ceremony. The other leaders who are likely to be present on the occasion include HD Kumaraswamy, KC Venugopal, N Chandrababu Naidu, Harish Rawat, DMK MP Kanimozhi, TR Balu, Sharad Yadav, and Ahmed Patel.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal not to attend Hemant Soren's swearing in ceremony

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) working president&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-jharkhands-new-chief-minister-hemant-soren-269825">Hemant Soren</a> was sworn-in as the 11th Chief Minister of Jharkhand here on Sunday.

Governor Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office and secrecy to Soren. A galaxy of leaders from across the political spectrum graced the occasion at Mohrabadi Ground here.

In a show of opposition strength, Chief Ministers Ashok Gehlot, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pan-india-nrc-will-hit-adivasis-hard-says-chhattisgarh-chief-minister-270804">Bhupesh Baghe</a>l and Mamata Banerjee, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav were among the senior leaders who <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chief-minister-arvind-kejriwal-not-to-attend-hemant-sorens-swearing-in-ceremony-270800">attended the event</a>.

Other opposition leaders who attended the event included RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, CPI's Atul Kumar Anjan, and D Raja, CPI-M leader Sitaraman Yechury, and RPN Singh, who was Congress in-charge of Jharkhand Assembly polls.

Former Chief Minister and JMM president Shibu Soren was also present to witness son taking oath for the second time as Jharkhand CM. Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das, who lost in the polls, also graced the occasion.

The event was termed as 'Sankalp Diwas' by mark beginning of an era of new Jharkhand.

JMM fought the Assembly elections in alliance with the Congress party and Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) and got a comfortable majority with forty-seven seats in the 81-member house.

JMM won 30 seats, while Congress and RJD secured 16 and one seat respectively in the recently concluded Assembly polls.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) working president Hemant Soren was sworn-in as the 11th Chief Minister of Jharkhand here on Sunday. Governor Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office and secrecy to Soren.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) working president Hemant Soren was sworn-in as the 11th Chief Minister of Jharkhand here on Sunday. Governor Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office and secrecy to Soren. A galaxy of leaders from across the political spectrum graced the occasion at Mohrabadi Ground here. In a show of opposition strength, Chief Ministers Ashok Gehlot, Bhupesh Baghel and Mamata Banerjee, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav were among the senior leaders who attended the event. Other opposition leaders who attended the event included RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, CPI's Atul Kumar Anjan, and D Raja, CPI-M leader Sitaraman Yechury, and RPN Singh, who was Congress in-charge of Jharkhand Assembly polls. Former Chief Minister and JMM president Shibu Soren was also present to witness son taking oath for the second time as Jharkhand CM. Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das, who lost in the polls, also graced the occasion. The event was termed as 'Sankalp Diwas' by mark beginning of an era of new Jharkhand. JMM fought the Assembly elections in alliance with the Congress party and Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) and got a comfortable majority with forty-seven seats in the 81-member house. JMM won 30 seats, while Congress and RJD secured 16 and one seat respectively in the recently concluded Assembly polls.

Hemant Soren takes oath as Jharkhand Chief Minister

The elections in the Indian state of Jharkhand is underway. The opposition alliance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress and the RJD is set to form the next government in Jharkhand displacing the BJP which ruled the state for the last 5 years. #Jharkhand #JharkhandElectionResults #JharkhandElections #JMM #HemantSoren

WION Dispatch: JMM-Congress all set to form government in Jharkhand

A new chapter will begin in Jharkhand, Chief Ministerial candidate of Congress-Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-Rashtriya Janata Dal&nbsp;alliance, Hemant Soren said on Monday after the landslide win in Assembly Elections.

Thanking the voters for the mandate, Soren said, "Today's victory is full of happiness for many but for me, it is also the day to take a vow to fulfil the expectations of the public."

&nbsp;"The time has come to fulfil the goals for which this state was created. I want to thank Lalu ji, Sonia ji, Rahul ji and Priyanka ji and all Congress leaders for all the support and for believing in me," he said, adding that today a "new chapter will begin for the state."

"I want to assure everyone that their hopes will not be broken irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and profession, " Soren said in a press conference held after his alliance surpassed the majority mark.

As per Election Commission trends, Congress-JMM-RJD alliance won 45 seats and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 22 seats.

Jharkhand went to polls for 81 Assembly seats in five phases from November 30 to December 20 and saw 65.17 per cent voter turnout.

The counting of votes began at 8 am today in all the 24 district headquarters amid tight security and is still underway.

Meanwhile, accepting the defeat, BJP president Amit Shah said, "We respect the mandate given by the people of Jharkhand."

"We express our heartfelt gratitude to the people for the opportunity given to BJP to serve the state for 5 years. The BJP will remain committed to the development of the state continuously."

A new chapter will begin in Jharkhand, Chief Ministerial candidate of Congress-Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-Rashtriya Janata Dal alliance, Hemant Soren said on Monday after the landslide win in Assembly Elections.

A new chapter will begin in Jharkhand, Chief Ministerial candidate of Congress-Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-Rashtriya Janata Dal alliance, Hemant Soren said on Monday after the landslide win in Assembly Elections. Thanking the voters for the mandate, Soren said, "Today's victory is full of happiness for many but for me, it is also the day to take a vow to fulfil the expectations of the public." "The time has come to fulfil the goals for which this state was created. I want to thank Lalu ji, Sonia ji, Rahul ji and Priyanka ji and all Congress leaders for all the support and for believing in me," he said, adding that today a "new chapter will begin for the state." "I want to assure everyone that their hopes will not be broken irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and profession, " Soren said in a press conference held after his alliance surpassed the majority mark. As per Election Commission trends, Congress-JMM-RJD alliance won 45 seats and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 22 seats. Jharkhand went to polls for 81 Assembly seats in five phases from November 30 to December 20 and saw 65.17 per cent voter turnout. The counting of votes began at 8 am today in all the 24 district headquarters amid tight security and is still underway. Meanwhile, accepting the defeat, BJP president Amit Shah said, "We respect the mandate given by the people of Jharkhand." "We express our heartfelt gratitude to the people for the opportunity given to BJP to serve the state for 5 years. The BJP will remain committed to the development of the state continuously."

New chapter will begin in Jharkhand, says CM candidate Hemant Soren after JMM-Congress-RJD victory

The alliance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal secured a victory on Monday in Jharkhand Assembly Elections paving the way for Hemant Soren becoming the next chief minister of the state.

Hemant Soren who was declared a chief ministerial candidate by the Congress and the RJD in a pre-poll alliance, dedicated the victory to the voters and said that it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Jharkhand.

The son of Shibu Soren, founder of the JMM, Hemant Soren was born in Ramgarh district in Jharkhand on August 10, 1975.&nbsp;

Soren completed his schooling from Patna High School. According to the affidavit filed before Election Commission, Soren had enrolled for mechanical engineering at a Ranchi college but failed to complete the course.&nbsp;

In 2005 Soren contested the state assembly polls from Dumka constituency, marking the debut of his political career, however, he defeated by his party rebel Stephen Marandi. In 2009, became the senior leader of JMM after the sudden death of his elder brother Durga.

He also served as the member of Rajya Sabha for a year from 2009 to 2010.&nbsp;

In 2013, he became the youngest chief minister of the state with support from Congress and RJD and served from 2013 to December 2014.

Hemant's father Shibu Soren had also served thrice as the state's chief minister - once barely for ten days.

Soren became a leader of the tribals in Jharkhand after he led a protest against proposed amendments of Chhota Nagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act in 2016.

He has also been a vocal protester of the Direct Benefit Transfer in Public Distribution System and has voiced concerns over the scheme might cause suffering and injustice.

Soren is also a critic of proposed amendments to the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill by the Jharkhand government.

After this landslide win, Soren will succeed Raghubar Das of Bharatiya Janata Party.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The alliance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal secured a victory on Monday in Jharkhand Assembly Elections paving the way for Hemant Soren becoming the next chief minister of the state.

The alliance of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal secured a victory on Monday in Jharkhand Assembly Elections paving the way for Hemant Soren becoming the next chief minister of the state. Hemant Soren who was declared a chief ministerial candidate by the Congress and the RJD in a pre-poll alliance, dedicated the victory to the voters and said that it will mark the beginning of a new chapter in Jharkhand. The son of Shibu Soren, founder of the JMM, Hemant Soren was born in Ramgarh district in Jharkhand on August 10, 1975. Soren completed his schooling from Patna High School. According to the affidavit filed before Election Commission, Soren had enrolled for mechanical engineering at a Ranchi college but failed to complete the course. In 2005 Soren contested the state assembly polls from Dumka constituency, marking the debut of his political career, however, he defeated by his party rebel Stephen Marandi. In 2009, became the senior leader of JMM after the sudden death of his elder brother Durga. He also served as the member of Rajya Sabha for a year from 2009 to 2010. In 2013, he became the youngest chief minister of the state with support from Congress and RJD and served from 2013 to December 2014. Hemant's father Shibu Soren had also served thrice as the state's chief minister - once barely for ten days. Soren became a leader of the tribals in Jharkhand after he led a protest against proposed amendments of Chhota Nagpur Tenancy Act and Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act in 2016. He has also been a vocal protester of the Direct Benefit Transfer in Public Distribution System and has voiced concerns over the scheme might cause suffering and injustice. Soren is also a critic of proposed amendments to the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill by the Jharkhand government. After this landslide win, Soren will succeed Raghubar Das of Bharatiya Janata Party. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Jharkhand's new chief minister Hemant Soren?

The election victory in Jharkhand by JMM, Congress and RJD is a classic example of an organic alliance defeating a much powerful adversary. Though BJP’s incumbency is also to blame for their defeat, few things done by the JMM-Congress alliance helped turn the tide.

Congress leaders camped in Ranchi

For the first time, Congress General Secretary and Chief Election Coordinator stayed put in the state for straight 40 days. RPN Singh, the General Secretary in-charge and Chief Election Coordinator Ajay Sharma stayed put through the campaign and work was not outsourced to the PCC office. None of them left Ranchi barring an odd and quick visit to Delhi to sort political issues with the leadership. Such intense engagement at the level of the General Secretary has taken place after 19 years in Jharkhand politics.

JMM-Congress fought elections on local issues and prevented ideological polarisation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah wanted to polarise the election around the Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Article 370 but all three parties did not allow it. All three parties focused on local issues like land redistribution to the tribal community to new MSP prices for the paddy. The focus remained on immediate issues rather than slogans given by the leaders who came from Delhi. The alliance ensured that the election doesn’t get polarised on ideological issues. In the last phase in the Santhals, BJP’s gain remained incremental. They only gained two seats.

Alliance did not allow controversial leaders to campaign

Congress did not allow controversial leaders to campaign in the state. Congress did not create any controversy on ideological issues. Rahul Gandhi campaigned in five places, Priyanka in one, Jyotiraditya Scindhia in two, and Sachin Pilot also in two places. Rest of the leaders were state leaders. Even leaders like Chidambaram and Manish Tewari kept to the local issues after addressing the economy in the press conference. The Jharkhand team denied requests of many such controversial leaders to campaign in the state.

All rebels were accommodated reducing rebel candidates to zero

Alliance management was taken very seriously by the Congress. Despite being a junior partner, Congress organised joint meetings with two other partners at the workers level. It accommodated all the demands of Hemant Soren when it came to seat distribution. In fact, Congress did not give a candidate when its own senior leader Sarfaraz Ahmad got a ticket from JMM. Congress ensured that rebel candidates become a thing of past and most of the candidates denied tickets were accommodated during rallies on the stage with the top leadership. &nbsp;Alliance ensured that share of rebels kept at a minimum.

Ahmad Patel in charge

Senior Congress leader Ahmad Patel enjoyed a free hand. In fact, this election was an out and out AP’s election. He gave a free hand to his team and intervened only when serious issues had to be sorted out with RJD and JMM leadership. He was the only senior person from Delhi directly involved with the state elections. It created a clean chain of command without creating confusion in the rank and file of the party. There was minimum interference from the office of Rahul Gandhi.

Block Presidents given due importance

RPN’s team did not allow any difference of opinion to emerge in this case. In fact, all district heads and bloc presidents were given space on the dais, when Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders campaigned in the state. His rallies were not allowed to become conclaves for the Youth Congress. The local unit in one case even overruled Rahul Gandhi’s personal secretary who wanted to seat a couple of Youth Congress members on the dais. The person-in-charge categorically denied the request and told him that space above is reserved for bloc presidents who play an important role during the elections.

Chhattisgarh Model

Bhupesh Baghel, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh also played an active role in this election. The forest minister of Madhya Pradesh Umang Singhar also camped in Jharkhand. Lot of state leaders went for a low-key campaign which focused on immediate issues like education, schools, and public safety. All remained low-key. Social media was used judiciously. Jharkhand elections witnessed the absence of any controversy thanks to social media.

Targeted BJP for corruption and bad governance

Jharkhand is perhaps one state where the grand alliance was able to nullify BJP’s most potent electoral weapon. In fact, it used corruption as an issue against BJP. Governance and corruption are two issues which BJP has effectively used against the central leadership of the Congress in the past six years but in Jharkhand, the Congress was able to use these two issues against the BJP.

The election victory in Jharkhand by JMM, Congress and RJD is a classic example of an organic alliance defeating a much powerful adversary. Though BJP’s incumbency is also to blame for their defeat, few things done by the JMM-Congress alliance helped turn the tide.

The election victory in Jharkhand by JMM, Congress and RJD is a classic example of an organic alliance defeating a much powerful adversary. Though BJP’s incumbency is also to blame for their defeat, few things done by the JMM-Congress alliance helped turn the tide. Congress leaders camped in Ranchi For the first time, Congress General Secretary and Chief Election Coordinator stayed put in the state for straight 40 days. RPN Singh, the General Secretary in-charge and Chief Election Coordinator Ajay Sharma stayed put through the campaign and work was not outsourced to the PCC office. None of them left Ranchi barring an odd and quick visit to Delhi to sort political issues with the leadership. Such intense engagement at the level of the General Secretary has taken place after 19 years in Jharkhand politics. JMM-Congress fought elections on local issues and prevented ideological polarisation Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah wanted to polarise the election around the Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Article 370 but all three parties did not allow it. All three parties focused on local issues like land redistribution to the tribal community to new MSP prices for the paddy. The focus remained on immediate issues rather than slogans given by the leaders who came from Delhi. The alliance ensured that the election doesn’t get polarised on ideological issues. In the last phase in the Santhals, BJP’s gain remained incremental. They only gained two seats. Alliance did not allow controversial leaders to campaign Congress did not allow controversial leaders to campaign in the state. Congress did not create any controversy on ideological issues. Rahul Gandhi campaigned in five places, Priyanka in one, Jyotiraditya Scindhia in two, and Sachin Pilot also in two places. Rest of the leaders were state leaders. Even leaders like Chidambaram and Manish Tewari kept to the local issues after addressing the economy in the press conference. The Jharkhand team denied requests of many such controversial leaders to campaign in the state. All rebels were accommodated reducing rebel candidates to zero Alliance management was taken very seriously by the Congress. Despite being a junior partner, Congress organised joint meetings with two other partners at the workers level. It accommodated all the demands of Hemant Soren when it came to seat distribution. In fact, Congress did not give a candidate when its own senior leader Sarfaraz Ahmad got a ticket from JMM. Congress ensured that rebel candidates become a thing of past and most of the candidates denied tickets were accommodated during rallies on the stage with the top leadership. Alliance ensured that share of rebels kept at a minimum. Ahmad Patel in charge Senior Congress leader Ahmad Patel enjoyed a free hand. In fact, this election was an out and out AP’s election. He gave a free hand to his team and intervened only when serious issues had to be sorted out with RJD and JMM leadership. He was the only senior person from Delhi directly involved with the state elections. It created a clean chain of command without creating confusion in the rank and file of the party. There was minimum interference from the office of Rahul Gandhi. Block Presidents given due importance RPN’s team did not allow any difference of opinion to emerge in this case. In fact, all district heads and bloc presidents were given space on the dais, when Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders campaigned in the state. His rallies were not allowed to become conclaves for the Youth Congress. The local unit in one case even overruled Rahul Gandhi’s personal secretary who wanted to seat a couple of Youth Congress members on the dais. The person-in-charge categorically denied the request and told him that space above is reserved for bloc presidents who play an important role during the elections. Chhattisgarh Model Bhupesh Baghel, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh also played an active role in this election. The forest minister of Madhya Pradesh Umang Singhar also camped in Jharkhand. Lot of state leaders went for a low-key campaign which focused on immediate issues like education, schools, and public safety. All remained low-key. Social media was used judiciously. Jharkhand elections witnessed the absence of any controversy thanks to social media. Targeted BJP for corruption and bad governance Jharkhand is perhaps one state where the grand alliance was able to nullify BJP’s most potent electoral weapon. In fact, it used corruption as an issue against BJP. Governance and corruption are two issues which BJP has effectively used against the central leadership of the Congress in the past six years but in Jharkhand, the Congress was able to use these two issues against the BJP.

Eight things JMM-RJD-Congress alliance did to defeat BJP

........Eight things JMM-RJD-Congress alliance did to defeat BJP

Union Home Minister and BJP President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-will-completely-uproot-naxalism-in-jharkhand-amit-shah-265107">Amit Shah </a>slammed Hemant Soren and accused him of sitting on Congress's lap in order to become chief minister.

"Due to the thirst for power, Hemant Soren is trying to become chief minister while sitting on the lap of Congress, Shah said while addressing a rally in Chakradharpur in Jharkhand ahead of the second phase of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-64-voter-turnout-recorded-in-first-phase-of-jharkhand-polls-election-commission-265498">Assembly election</a>. He also said Soren and Congress's objective is to get power but BJP&nbsp;aims to push forward the state on the path of development.

"I am sure Jharkhand wants Kashmir to be an integral part of India, terrorism to end and Naxalism be uprooted," Shah said in an indirect reference to highlight BJP's stance on such issues. He also added that Jharkhand wants Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya.&nbsp;

Shah accused senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal for approaching the apex court in order to delay the verdict of Ram Janmabhoomi case. "We requested (the court) that the case should be moved faster. What was the result? SC has given judgement and now a grand sky-high temple of Ram will be built in Ayodhya," the home minister said.

Shah also showered praised on the Modi government in Centre and Raghubar Das's government in the state, adding that because of their efforts in the last five years, Naxalism ended in Jharkhand clearing&nbsp;the path for development in the state.

The BJP president also assured the people of the state that National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be implemented in the entire country before the 2024 general election.

The elections in Jharkhand are underway and the state voted for the first phase on November 30. The voting for the next phase will be held on December 20 covering 20 assembly constituencies. The fifth and final phase will go to polls on December 20 and the results will declared on December 23.

(with inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

Union Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah slammed Hemant Soren and accused him of sitting on Congress's lap in order to become chief minister. "Due to the thirst for power, Hemant Soren is trying to become chief minister while sitting on the lap of Congress, Shah said while addressing a rally in Chakradharpur in Jharkhand ahead of the second phase of the Assembly election.

Union Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah slammed Hemant Soren and accused him of sitting on Congress's lap in order to become chief minister. "Due to the thirst for power, Hemant Soren is trying to become chief minister while sitting on the lap of Congress, Shah said while addressing a rally in Chakradharpur in Jharkhand ahead of the second phase of the Assembly election. He also said Soren and Congress's objective is to get power but BJP aims to push forward the state on the path of development. "I am sure Jharkhand wants Kashmir to be an integral part of India, terrorism to end and Naxalism be uprooted," Shah said in an indirect reference to highlight BJP's stance on such issues. He also added that Jharkhand wants Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya. Shah accused senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal for approaching the apex court in order to delay the verdict of Ram Janmabhoomi case. "We requested (the court) that the case should be moved faster. What was the result? SC has given judgement and now a grand sky-high temple of Ram will be built in Ayodhya," the home minister said. Shah also showered praised on the Modi government in Centre and Raghubar Das's government in the state, adding that because of their efforts in the last five years, Naxalism ended in Jharkhand clearing the path for development in the state. The BJP president also assured the people of the state that National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be implemented in the entire country before the 2024 general election. The elections in Jharkhand are underway and the state voted for the first phase on November 30. The voting for the next phase will be held on December 20 covering 20 assembly constituencies. The fifth and final phase will go to polls on December 20 and the results will declared on December 23. (with inputs from ANI)

Jharkhand election: Amit Shah slams Hemant Soren, says he is sitting on 'Congress's lap' to become CM

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