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Hemant Soren To Be Sworn In As The 14th Chief Minister Of Jharkhand Today, Several Key Leaders To Attend The Occasion

November 28, 2024, 6:11 am

Hemant Soren is set to be sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on Thursday, November 28, at Morabadi Ground. The oath of office and secrecy will be administered by Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar at 4 PM.

The 49-year-old leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) secured a resounding victory in the recent elections, retaining the Barhait assembly seat with a margin of 39,791 votes. This will mark his fourth term as Chief Minister. Several prominent leaders from the INDIA alliance and other political parties are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Jharkhand Polls 2024

The JMM-led alliance scored a significant victory in the Jharkhand Assembly elections, securing 56 out of 81 seats, while the BJP-led NDA won 24 seats.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) achieved its highest-ever electoral performance, winning 34 of the 43 seats it contested. Among its alliance partners, Congress secured 21 seats, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) won 4, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) earned 2 seats. As per the power-sharing arrangement within the INDIA bloc, the RJD is expected to receive one ministerial post in Hemant Soren’s cabinet.

Following his unanimous election as the legislature party leader by the INDIA bloc in the state on Sunday, Soren met with Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and staked his claim to form the new government.

Must Read: Eknath Shinde Thanks PM Modi for Fulfilling Balasaheb Thackeray’s Dream of a Common Shiv Sainik CM

Speech by Hemant Soren

After winning the Jharkhand Assembly elections, Hemant Soren expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their “continued trust in our leadership.”

“This victory reflects the aspirations of the people, and we will work towards fulfilling them. This is a victory of the people and their vision for a peaceful and progressive Jharkhand,” he said. Soren further stated that with the mandate Jharkhand has given his party and alliance, they are “ready to serve them with dedication and resolve.”

Hemant Soren meets PM Modi

On Tuesday, JMM leader Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. “I had a constructive meeting with the Prime Minister, where we discussed Jharkhand’s growth and development. His support is valuable as we move forward with our plans,” he said.

Soren had also met leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal, and invited them to the swearing-in ceremony. “We are united in our goal to work for the betterment of Jharkhand and its people,” he said.

Soren’s swearing-in ceremony

Preparations for Hemant Soren’s swearing-in ceremony are in full swing, with posters displayed across Ranchi and special security measures in place.

On Wednesday, Soren, accompanied by senior officials, visited the Morabadi ground to review the arrangements for the oath-taking event.

Notably, Congress general secretary and Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir stated that Soren is likely to take the oath alone, with the cabinet expansion to follow after a vote of confidence in the state Assembly.

Who are the attendees?

Hemant Soren has appealed to the public to attend his swearing-in ceremony and has also shared a live stream YouTube link for the event.

The political leaders expected to attend Hemant Soren’s oath-taking ceremony include:

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav
PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti
Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
Bihar’s LoP Tejashwi Yadav

“It’s heartening to have such esteemed leaders join us for this important occasion,” Soren had said.

Also Read: ‘Certificate of election not just a document but a symbol of love, trust, and the values,’ says Priyanka Gandhi

Hemant Soren Stakes Claim To Form Government After Meeting Jharkhand Governor

November 24, 2024, 6:57 pm

Hemant Soren, leader of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), met Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar on Sunday to stake his claim to form the next government.

This comes after his unanimous election as the legislature party leader by members of the INDIA bloc in Jharkhand following their state assembly election victory. Soren will be sworn in as chief minister on November 28.

Before submitting his claim, Soren resigned as chief minister as per PTI.

Speaking to the media after meeting with the governor, Soren said, “I have staked claim to form the government, and have handed over the support letter of alliance partners to the governor. He invited us to form the government. The swearing-in ceremony will be held on November 28.”

Also Read: Hemant Soren to Take Oath as Jharkhand Chief Minister on Nov 28

Soren won the seat of Barhait in the assembly polls by defeating BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom with a massive margin of 39,791 votes. Soren polled 95,612 votes while Hembrom polled 55,821.

Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay, speaking to ANI, said, “All the party workers and leaders extended their support, and Hemant Soren was chosen as the leader of the Jharkhand Assembly House. the tentative date for the oath-taking is the 28th.”

Jharkhand Assembly Election Results

The JMM-led alliance won the elections in clear fashion, capturing 56 of the 81 assembly seats, thus retaining the position for a second successive term. The BJP-led NDA did have an intense campaign but managed only 24 seats.

With a majority mark of 41, JMM won 34 seats, while allies Congress (16), RJD (4), and CPI-ML (2) added up to contribute to this number. To the BJP’s 21 seats are added one seat each from allies AJSU Party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), and JD(U).

Hemant Soren is to become Jharkhand’s 14th chief minister, leading the state carved out of Bihar on 15 November 2000.

Hemant Soren Secures Barhait Seat With Over 95,000 Votes In Jharkhand

November 23, 2024, 7:06 pm

Hemant Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), triumphed in the Barhait constituency of Jharkhand with a commanding victory, securing a margin of 95,612 votes. Located in Sahibganj district, Barhait is a reserved seat for Scheduled Tribes (ST) and holds significant political weight in the state.

The election took place in two phases, on November 13 and November 20, and Soren was vying for re-election from Barhait. The sitting MLA faced BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom in a tight contest.

Soren, who previously won this seat in 2014 and 2019, was eager to retain his position. His success in Barhait reinforces his political stature and deepens his support base, particularly among the tribal communities in Jharkhand.

Also Read: Jharkhand Elections: Hemant Soren Government Faces Backlash Over Exam Paper Leaks, JSSC Irregularities

Following his win, Soren shared a heartfelt photo on social media, spending time with his two sons, captioning it “Meri Shakti” (My Strength), reflecting his deep family connection and their unwavering support throughout his political journey.

Despite strong competition, including challenges from Hembrom and other smaller party candidates like those from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Jharkhand Lok Kranti Morcha (JLKM), Soren’s victory highlights his continued dominance in the region, especially among Barhait’s tribal voters.

Jharkhand Polls: ‘Abua Awas Yojana turned into Babu Awas Yojana’? Soren’s Promises Under Scrutiny

November 18, 2024, 6:41 pm

As the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly elections unfold, Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), are emphasizing tribal rights and welfare as central to their campaign. However, questions are being raised about whether the JMM has genuinely uplifted tribal communities during its tenure. Chief among the issues under the spotlight is the party’s flagship housing initiative, the ‘Abua Awas Yojana.’

BJP Alleges Corruption in Abua Awas Yojana

The Abua Awas Yojana, launched on August 15, 2023, was one of Hemant Soren’s major promises, aimed at providing permanent housing to over 2.5 million residents of Jharkhand, particularly tribal families. Under the scheme, beneficiaries were assured a three-room house at a cost of ₹2 lakh. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the JMM government of corruption and inefficiency in its execution.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP’s co-in-charge for Jharkhand, criticized the scheme, alleging it has turned into a “Babu Awas Yojana,” where bribes are a prerequisite for receiving a house. “Without bribes, no one can get a house,” Sarma remarked, highlighting what he described as widespread corruption in the scheme’s implementation.

The Abua Awas Yojana was designed to provide safe, affordable housing to tribal communities, with a focus on reducing homelessness. However, on the ground, the reality seems far from the promises made. Reports indicate that many tribal beneficiaries have faced significant challenges, including demands for bribes by local officials and delays in construction. Beneficiaries have reported paying bribes to expedite the process or to have their funds sanctioned, casting doubt on the scheme’s effectiveness.

Despite government claims of success, transparency remains an issue. Official data suggests thousands of tribal families have received housing under the scheme, but the program’s website lacks detailed statistics on completed houses, raising questions about the actual impact of the initiative.

Corruption and Administrative Failures Hamper Implementation

The Abua Awas Yojana has been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Tribal families have accused local officials, contractors, and village leaders of demanding bribes at various stages of the process, stalling the construction of homes. Ground reports reveal widespread dissatisfaction, with many beneficiaries entangled in bureaucratic red tape and forced to endure prolonged delays. This has led to concerns about the lack of accountability and efficiency in the scheme’s execution.

Advocates for tribal rights have also highlighted the administrative negligence in the scheme’s rollout. Beneficiaries often complain of a lack of clear information about the scheme and excessive documentation requirements, which delay the approval and construction process. The bureaucratic hurdles not only violate the rights of the beneficiaries but also reflect poorly on the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.

The discontent among tribal communities appears to be growing as the election campaign progresses. While Hemant Soren’s government has frequently announced initiatives aimed at tribal welfare, the delivery on these promises has been inconsistent. Instead of benefiting from these schemes, many tribal families have found themselves caught in a cycle of corruption and bureaucratic obstacles, leaving them disillusioned.

The Abua Awas Yojana is not the only scheme facing criticism. Other initiatives, including land acquisition policies and employment programs, have also been met with disapproval. Tribal families have voiced concerns that the government has exacerbated their struggles rather than alleviated them, leading to protests and demonstrations across the state.

The controversies surrounding the Abua Awas Yojana and other welfare schemes are expected to play a significant role in the outcome of the Jharkhand Assembly elections. The unresolved issues and accusations of corruption have put the JMM on the defensive, with voters questioning the party’s commitment to tribal empowerment. As the elections progress, the extent of discontent among tribal communities will be a crucial factor in determining the political fate of Hemant Soren and the JMM.

The election results will serve as a critical barometer of whether the JMM has succeeded in addressing the concerns of tribal communities or if the party’s promises were merely political rhetoric. The coming weeks will reveal whether the tribal electorate continues to trust the JMM as their advocate or sees it as another political entity that has failed to deliver on its promises.

Jharkhand Elections: Hemant Soren Government Faces Backlash Over Exam Paper Leaks, JSSC Irregularities

November 7, 2024, 7:12 pm

As the Jharkhand Assembly elections approach, the Hemant Soren-led JMM coalition government finds itself under intense scrutiny over allegations of examination paper leaks and irregularities in the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Accusations are mounting that the administration’s lack of commitment to exam security has compromised the future of the state’s youth, sparking widespread discontent. During a recent visit to Jharkhand, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the JMM government’s handling of the issue and promised that, if the BJP wins power, they would establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to bring those responsible to justice.

Promise of SIT to Tackle Examination Scandals

Amit Shah highlighted the gravity of the alleged misconduct, stating, “More than 11 exam papers were leaked, yet Hemant Babu remains silent because the culprits are his close associates… We will form an SIT and ensure that those responsible for these leaks end up behind bars.” His remarks underscore the BJP’s promise to pursue transparency and accountability, especially in light of mounting criticism against the Soren government’s response.

Critics Question Soren Government’s Approach to Exam Security

The wave of paper leaks has undermined public trust in Jharkhand’s recruitment process. Critics argue that the Soren government has taken a questionable approach, focusing on damage control rather than decisive action to address the root causes of the leaks. Comparisons have been drawn with other states that have implemented strict measures to protect exam integrity, further highlighting perceived gaps in Jharkhand’s approach.

In the face of such incidents, candidates and their families expected swift action and accountability. However, delays in addressing the leaks have led to growing public frustration. The administration’s handling has fueled suspicions that, instead of prioritizing transparency, efforts were made to downplay the issue to protect the government’s image. Calls for accountability remain unaddressed, leaving affected youth disillusioned with the process

The lack of accountability has left aspiring government employees feeling betrayed. Many argue that the state’s inadequate response to the examination leaks threatens not only the prospects of young candidates but also the credibility of the recruitment process itself. In light of these events, there are widespread demands for an independent or judicial inquiry, as trust in the state’s internal investigations continues to decline.

With mounting pressure from opposition leaders and the public alike, the Hemant Soren government faces a challenging path ahead as it seeks to restore faith in Jharkhand’s examination and recruitment processes.

Hemant Soren Challenges BJP: ‘Fight From the Front, Not From Behind

November 7, 2024, 9:06 am

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched a fierce attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, accusing them of cowardice for attacking him from behind instead of confronting him directly. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Soren challenged the BJP, saying, “If you have courage, then fight me from the front. Why keep attacking from behind like the cowardly British?”

CM Criticizes BJP’s Tactics

In his post, Soren shared a headline from a news article, highlighting claims that large sums of money have been used to tarnish his reputation. He remarked, “Sometimes the ED, sometimes the CBI, sometimes another agency—now billions of rupees have been spent to spoil my image. The situation is strange.”

Double Engine Government Under Fire

Soren also took aim at the BJP’s concept of a “double engine government,” referring to the BJP’s control at both the national and state levels. He pointed out that despite being in power at the center for 11 years and in Jharkhand for 5 years, the BJP failed to deliver on key promises. He questioned, “Why did only the elephant fly during Raghubar Das’s government for five years? Why were 13,000 schools closed? Why were 11 lakh ration cards canceled? Why was not even one JPSC exam conducted?”

Concerns Over Social Issues

Soren continued to criticize the BJP for its governance, highlighting issues like the lack of pensions for the elderly and widows, and the deaths due to hunger in the state. He also referred to the BJP’s discouraging attitude toward youth, asking, “Why were young people told to make bicycles and sell bananas?”

Promises for the Future

Looking ahead, Soren promised that if his government is re-elected, they would continue working for the betterment of the people of Jharkhand. He assured that the future would focus on the interests of every resident of the state.

Jharkhand Assembly Election Overview

The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly elections will be held in two phases, on November 13 and 20, with the vote counting set for November 23. A total of 2.6 crore voters, including 1.31 crore male voters, 1.29 crore female voters, and 11.84 lakh first-time voters, will cast their ballots. In the 2020 election, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) won 30 seats, while the BJP secured 25, and the Congress won 16 seats. In 2014, the BJP had a stronger hold with 37 seats, while JMM and Congress secured 19 and 6 seats, respectively.

India News Manch 2024: ‘Discrimination in the Budget…’ Mahua Maji Criticizes BJP at India News Platform

July 29, 2024, 6:03 pm

India News Manch 2024: ITV Network is hosting a special discussion platform called ‘Manch’ today, Monday (July 29), to address the country’s major issues. This platform will feature several central ministers, and discussions with key opposition leaders have also begun. Our channel will pose sharp questions to leaders from both the ruling party and the opposition. On this political platform, JMM Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji made significant remarks about the BJP, so let’s get all the details.

Mahua Maji’s Attacks on the BJP

At the India News platform, JMM Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji launched a series of attacks on the BJP. She accused the BJP of orchestrating a false case against Hemant Soren, claiming that the chosen Chief Minister was imprisoned without evidence. Maji criticized the ED for failing to provide proof for Soren’s imprisonment and accused the BJP of incorporating corrupt individuals from Maharashtra into its ranks. She also launched a scathing attack on the central government, alleging that it was not cooperating with the states, engaging in budgetary discrimination, withholding GST funds from non-BJP governed states, and failing to clear state dues.

Hemant Government’s Support for Tribals

Mahua Maji praised the Hemant government in Jharkhand, stating that it is supportive of tribal interests. She highlighted the government’s efforts to promote self-employment and described the ‘Government at Your Doorstep’ initiative as an effective scheme. Regarding the Jharkhand Assembly elections, she noted that the ‘INDIA’ alliance is strong in Jharkhand and that the alliance will contest the elections under Hemant Soren’s leadership.

Amit Shah Accuses Hemant Soren Of ‘Land And Love Jihad,’ Promises Demographic ‘White Paper’

July 20, 2024, 6:19 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday of engaging in ‘land jihad’ and ‘love jihad,’ alleging that these actions are creating demographic shifts in the state.

“Being a chief minister from the tribal community, he doesn’t care for his people. Instead, he is propagating land jihad and love jihad in the state dominated by tribals, which are causing demographic changes,” Amit Shah stated.

Shah said that thousands of illegal immigrants are marrying tribal women, gaining credentials, and purchasing property in Jharkhand, so reducing the tribal population in the future.

“If anywhere in the country the population of tribals is reducing, it is only in Jharkhand. If the people of Jharkhand vote the Bharatiya Janata Party to power, a white paper will be brought in to secure their land, population, and reservation. The manner in which illegal immigrants are entering the state is directly affecting the employment of the youth,” Shah added.

He alleged that Hemant Soren has ignored all the problems in Jharkhand and is solely focused on vote bank politics. Shah added that Soren’s idea of progress for tribals means “progress of his own family.”

“It is our government that is concerned about the welfare of tribals. It was the BJP that appointed Babu Lal as the first tribal chief minister of the state. We appointed a tribal woman as the President of India. It is our government that made sure announcements are made in the Santhali language at the railway station,” the he claimed.

He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always stressed the welfare of persons from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), establishing a commission for them, providing 27% quota in all central examinations, and making laws to protect their rights.

“Even the Prime Minister’s council of ministers has the highest number of ministers from the backward community. The people of Jharkhand need to uproot the corrupt Soren government and support Narendra Modi,” he added.

ED Approaches Supreme Court Against Hemant Soren’s Bail

July 9, 2024, 6:12 pm

Law enforcement agency ED (Enforcement Directorate) approached the Supreme Court against Hemant Soren’s bail, which was granted by Jharkhand HC.

As per the agency, this judgement was faulty and disputed the findings, that there was no prima facie evidence, that Hemant Soren was found guilty under PMLA act.

Earlier, the Jharkhand HC had given bail to chief minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren on June 28, after deciding that there is indeed a reason to believe that he isn’t guilty of money laundering in connection with the scam.

Moreover, the single-judge bench also ruled, that the claim of timely action taken by ED in preventing Soren and others from illegally acquiring the land is ‘vague’ since witnesses claimed that the land indeed had been taken by soren.

Additionally, the court also observed, that no registers or revenue records reflect soren’s direct involvement in either acquiring or possessing the land. And lastly, nobody upset individual came forward to voice its grievance against the matter, even though soren that time, was not in power in the state.

Overall, looking at these observations, the court granted bail to the JMM leader.

Meanwhile, soren left the post of CM on January 31 after his detention by ED in money laundering case. Later the close aide Champai soren became state’s CM.

But later, after acquiring bail, Hemant soren again became CM of the state on July 4.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Wins Trust Vote

July 8, 2024, 1:05 pm

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who was sworn in last week, has won the trust vote in the state assembly on Monday, July 8, 2024. Soren secured a comfortable majority with 45 MLAs supporting him.

Breakdown of Support

The JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) alliance has 45 MLAs:

JMM: 27 MLAs
Congress: 17 MLAs
RJD:1 MLA

In contrast, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has 24 MLAs in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly.

Reduced Assembly Strength

After the recent Lok Sabha elections, the number of MLAs in the Jharkhand assembly was reduced due to some becoming MPs, while others either resigned or were expelled. The current strength of the assembly is now 76, reducing the half-way mark to 38.

Soren’s Swearing-In and Past Challenges

Hemant Soren was sworn in as Jharkhand Chief Minister on July 4, 2024, succeeding Champai Soren, who stepped down months ahead of the assembly election.

“Today is July 4. On January 31, from the same place, I conveyed a message to you all on how the opposition conspired against me. They were successful. For five months, they tried to keep me inside the jail by different means. We took the legal path, and people supported us,” Soren said before taking the oath.

This event followed Hemant Soren’s release on bail regarding money laundering charges connected to an alleged land racket in the state capital. He was the second chief minister to be arrested by the federal agency just months before the Lok Sabha elections on January 31, 2024.

Transition of Leadership

Minutes before his arrest, Hemant Soren resigned as Chief Minister, passing the role to Champai Soren. Champai, a loyalist and close associate of Hemant’s father Shibu Soren, took charge on February 2, 2024.

JMM’s Performance

During Hemant Soren’s time in jail, JMM won three Lok Sabha seats, an increase from their previous tally of one seat in 2019. In the 2019 assembly elections, the JMM, in alliance with Congress and RJD, secured a majority with 47 seats in the 81-member house:

JMM:30 seats
Congress: 16 seats
RJD: 1 seat

Hemant Soren’s successful trust vote solidifies his position as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, marking a significant moment in the state’s political landscape.

Jharkhand Govt To Conduct Floor Test, Cabinet Expansion Expected Tomorrow

July 7, 2024, 8:50 pm

Ranchi: The newly formed government in Jharkhand, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, is set to expand its cabinet after proving its majority in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly’s special session on Monday. Hemant Soren, who was sworn in for the 3rd time on July 4, will lead this expansion.

Hemant Soren took the oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Jharkhand at Raj Bhavan, Ranchi. He was released on bail by the Jharkhand High Court on June 28, after spending 5 months in jail.

His return to the Chief Minister’s office follows the resignation of Champai Soren, who had taken the oath as the 12th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on February 2 but resigned five months later.

See post:

Jharkhand government floor test, Cabinet expansion likely to take place tomorrow

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/bvSp5l1Jy1 #Jharkhand #HemantSoren #JharkhandLegislativeAssembly pic.twitter.com/nRTbtvr457

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 7, 2024

Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January on charges related to an alleged land scam and money laundering. He had resigned as Chief Minister before his arrest on January 31. This was not his first tenure; he previously served as the 11th Chief minister after taking the oath on December 29, 2019.

The return of Hemant Soren is expected to strengthen the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which secured three seats in the tribal-dominated state during the Lok Sabha elections. In the 2019 assembly elections, JMM, in alliance with Congress and Lalu Prasad’s Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD), won a comfortable majority with forty-seven seats in the 81-member house.

Hemant Soren Takes Oath As The 13th Chief Minister Of Jharkhand

July 4, 2024, 5:10 pm

Hemant Soren, the Executive President of JMM Took oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Jharkhand at Raj Bhavan on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, JMM announced that Soren would take the oath as Chief Minister on July 7, following an invitation from Governor CP Radhakrishnan to form the government. However, the JMM-led coalition later decided to hold the oath-taking ceremony on Thursday.

#WATCH | JMM executive president and former CM Hemant Soren takes oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand, at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi.

Governor CP Radhakrishnan administers him the oath to office. pic.twitter.com/b0LydgYuxb

— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2024

On Wednesday, a delegation led by Hemant Soren, including Rajesh Thakur, the state unit president of Congress, Satyanand Bhokta, an RJD minister, Vinod Singh, a CPI(ML)-L MLA, and Kalpana Soren, the Gandey MLA and wife of Hemant Soren, met with Governor Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan.

On Wednesday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren resigned to make way for Hemant Soren. Hemant Soren had to step down as Chief Minister following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case. Shortly after Champai’s resignation, Hemant Soren staked his claim before the governor to form the government for the third time.

Notably, Hemant Soren was released from jail after being granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court in a land scam case on June 28. Soren had resigned from his position as Chief Minister following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 31.

Now, just five months after resigning, Hemant Soren is set to return as the 13th Chief Minister of Jharkhand.

Hemant Soren To Be Sworn In As Jharkhand’s CM

July 4, 2024, 3:36 pm

JMM leader Hemant Soren is set to form government at Jharkhand, as state governor C P Radhakrishnan invited soren for government formation.

This development comes around the time, when senior leader Champai Soren gave his resignation as Chief Minister.

As per congress state president Rajesh Thakur, Hemant Soren Will take oath as Jharkhand CM today. Reports PTI.

According to ANI’s report, he’ll be sworn in as CM at 5 pm. Meanwhile, JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya revealed, that a swearing-in ceremony will be conducted on July 7.

Talking to ANI, he said, ‘The Governor has invited us to form the government and take the oath. We have decided that the CM along with this cabinet will take oath on July 7.’

But Champai Soren gave his resignation from the post. Thus, clearing the path for Hemant Soren to reassume the role.

Meanwhile, JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) executive president Hemant Soren was detained by ED (Enforcement Directorate) on the grounds of alleged land scam and money laundering.

Before his arrest, soren tendered his resignation as Chief Minister. After his detention, Soren family close aide Champai Soren became chief minister and stayed in his post for 5 months.

Later, on June 28, the Jharkhand High Court granted him bail on the forgery case, which fake proceeds were generated to acquire lands in Ranchi.

While granting bail, the single-bench judge said, ‘The overall conspectus of the case based on broad possibilities does not specifically or indirectly assign the petitioner to be involved in the acquisition and possession as well as concealment of 8.86 acres of land at Shantinagar, Bargain, Ranchi connected to the “proceeds of crime.’

Hemant Soren Set To Return As Jharkhand Chief Minister

July 3, 2024, 4:45 pm

Chief Minister Champai Soren is expected to resign on Wednesday, paving the way for Hemant Soren’s return as Jharkhand’s top elected official. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that formalities for the new government formation would commence soon after a unanimous decision was reached at the legislature party meeting of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance at Champai Soren’s residence. The meeting, attended by Hemant Soren and Congress’s Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir, concluded with plans for Champai Soren’s resignation later in the day.

Champai Soren assumed the role of Chief Minister of the JMM, Congress, and Rashtriya Janata Dal alliance government on February 2, following the arrest of Hemant Soren by the Enforcement Directorate on January 31 on charges related to money laundering in an alleged land scam.

Hemant Soren was granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court on June 28, after spending five months in jail. He has consistently denied the charges, asserting that he was falsely implicated as part of a conspiracy to silence dissent against the central government.

No relief to Soren: SC Rejects Hemant Soren’s Interim Bail Plea

May 22, 2024, 2:05 pm

The Supreme Court rejected former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s plea, citing his failure to disclose crucial facts in his petition. These included the trial court’s acknowledgment of the chargesheet and the pending bail plea in a special court.

Following this decision, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, withdrew the petition seeking interim bail. During this, Sibal urged the court to consider the timeline of Soren’s bail application before the High Court, which took a month to decide.

The Supreme Court expressed difficulty in regulating high court operations and commented on media perceptions about judges’ working hours.

Moreover, the court criticized Soren for pursuing parallel legal actions by applying for bail in both the trial court and the Supreme Court without disclosing all relevant details.

The court also questioned why Soren did not disclose that the special court had taken cognizance of the chargesheet and a bail plea had been filed. It described Soren’s conduct as blameworthy for withholding these critical details.

Senior Advocate Sibal defended Soren, stating that Soren, currently in custody, was not in direct communication. Sibal argued that Soren was not at fault.

Soren had challenged his arrest in a money laundering case before the Jharkhand High Court, which rejected his plea on May 3. His plea argued that his arrest was unjustified and his detention was arbitrary and illegal. Meanwhile, he sought interim bail during this period.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, also the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Chairperson, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January in connection with a land scam investigation. The probe centers on allegations of significant illicit gains made through fraudulent means in acquiring valuable land.

SC notice to ED on Soren’s bail Plea

May 18, 2024, 4:23 am

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea by former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren seeking interim bail in a money-laundering case, enabling him to campaign in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta also instructed the federal probe agency to submit a concise reply on Soren’s plea against his arrest, scheduling the matter before a vacation bench on May 21. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, emphasized that if granted interim bail, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader would surrender on June 2.

“There is no material against me in the case. Elections will be over if not granted interim bail,” Sibal stated. Sibal and senior advocate Arunabh Chowdhury, also representing Soren, reiterated that the JMM leader neither possesses the land in question nor has any involvement in the matter.

Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing the ED, noted that Soren was arrested earlier and has not contested the rejection of his regular bail application.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal for Soren stressed interim bail and apprised the court that one phase of the Lok Sabha poll is over, the fifth phase is on May 20 and the third phase is scheduled for May 25. He also said that there is no material to show against Soren in the case.

The top court said that it will not pass any order unless it is prima facie satisfied. Soren has approached the top court against the Jharkhand High Court decision which rejected his plea challenging arrest in a money laundering case. Jharkhand High Court has rejected Soren’s plea challenging arrest in a money laundering case on May 3.

Soren in his plea before the High Court has claimed that his arrest was unwarranted and his remand in the matter was arbitrary and illegal. Hemant Soren, who has filed the petition through advocate Pragya Baghel, called his arrest illegal and malafide. In the meantime, he has sought interim bail.

After a prolonged moment of speculation in the media and a hide-and-seek drama, former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Chairperson Hemant Soren was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in the land scam case in January. The probe pertains to huge amounts of proceeds of crime generated by forging official records by showing ‘fake sellers’ and purchasers in the guise of forged or bogus documents to acquire huge parcels of land valued in crores. The JMM leader was apprehended on January 31 in connection with the money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam following his resignation as the Jharkhand chief minister.

SC issues notice to ED on Hemant Soren’s plea against arrest

May 14, 2024, 3:19 am

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) on a plea filed by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and former chief minister Hemant Soren, challenging his arrest in a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.

Initially listing the matter on May 20, a bench of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta changed the date to May 17 after senior advocate Kapil Sibal expressed concern that the elections would be over by then and he would be prejudiced if a longer date was given. “My case is covered by Arvind Kejriwal’s order, and I need bail for election campaigning,” Sibal informed the bench.

Despite the bench expressing reluctance to change the date from May 20 due to a heavy workload, it agreed to the change after persistent requests from Sibal and senior advocate Arunabh Chowdhury, who appeared for Soren.

“We don’t know whether we will be able to take up the matter, but still, we are posting it for May 17,” remarked the bench.Hemant Soren, in his plea, challenged the May 3 order of the Jharkhand High Court dismissing his petition against the arrest.

He also sought interim bail for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections until the court delivered its verdict on his plea against the arrest.

Arvind Kejriwal was granted interim bail by the top court on May 10 for campaigning in the Lok Sabha polls after being arrested in a money laundering case related to an alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

SC Sends Notice To ED In Ex-Jharkhand CM Soren’s Appeal

May 13, 2024, 3:17 pm

The Supreme Court (SC) sent a notice to the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Monday concerning the petition filed by former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, challenging his arrest in a money laundering case related to an alleged land deal. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta’s bench scheduled the next hearing for May 17. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Hemant Soren, urged the court for an expedited hearing. Hemant Soren has requested interim bail citing the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

In a recent development, the SC provided interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. When the apex court indicated listing the matter for the following week, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, pressed for an expedited hearing this week due to the ongoing elections. Sibal emphasized that delaying the interim bail hearing until next week would serve no purpose, as elections in multiple Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand would have concluded by then.

At the onset of the hearing, the court inquired of Sibal whether Soren possessed ownership of the land. In response, the senior advocate clarified that the issue at hand was unrelated to the land. Soren’s legal representative also informed the court about the proceedings conducted in the Jharkhand High Court, which commenced in February and culminated in a decision being rendered in May.

Earlier, on May 3, the Jharkhand High Court dismissed Soren’s petition contesting his arrest in a money laundering case. Dissatisfied with this decision, Soren approached the Supreme Court last week. However, on Friday (May 10), the Supreme Court disposed of Soren’s previous plea regarding the High Court’s delay in issuing a verdict on his arrest challenge, deeming it moot since the judgment had already been delivered. The Supreme Court acknowledged that the Jharkhand High Court recently issued a ruling on JMM leader Soren’s petition, rejecting his plea challenging the arrest in the money laundering case.

During the previous hearing, the Supreme Court directed the Jharkhand High Court to issue a verdict on Soren’s petition challenging his arrest in a money laundering case. Notably, the Jharkhand High Court had reserved its decision on Soren’s plea on February 28. Dissatisfied with the High Court’s delay in delivering a judgment, Soren appealed to the Supreme Court against it and simultaneously requested interim bail in the case.

In his plea before the High Court, Soren contended that his arrest was unjustified and his detention in the matter was arbitrary and unlawful. Through his advocate Pragya Baghel, Soren referred to his arrest as ‘illegal and malafide.’ Hemant Soren was apprehended by the ED on January 31, in connection with an alleged land scam in Jharkhand. The investigation revolves around substantial amounts of proceeds of crime generated through the fabrication of official records, wherein ‘fake sellers’ and purchasers were depicted using forged or fraudulent documents to acquire vast tracts of land valued at crores of rupees.

Supreme Court Disposes Hemant Soren’s Plea Regarding High Court Order Delay

May 10, 2024, 5:27 pm

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s plea regarding the delayed pronouncement of an order by the High Court challenging his arrest has been disposed of by the Supreme Court. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta noted that the petition has become moot as the order has already been issued.

Jharkhand’s High Court recently rejected Soren’s petition challenging his arrest in a money laundering case. Soren subsequently appealed this decision to the Supreme Court, allowing him to address all concerns in a separate petition challenging the High Court’s May 3, 2024 order.

Soren’s original plea, which questioned the legality of his arrest and subsequent remand, was submitted to the High Court. He sought interim bail while arguing that his arrest was unwarranted and carried out with malicious intent.

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) arrested Soren in January amid speculation and media scrutiny surrounding a land scam investigation. The probe centers on the fraudulent acquisition of large land parcels using forged documents, generating substantial illegal profits.

Jharkhand High court rejects Hemant Soren’s criminal writ petition

May 3, 2024, 12:27 pm

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s criminal writ petition challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate was dismissed by the High Court. The court had reserved its decision on February 28. Previously, the Supreme Court had issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding Soren’s plea seeking interim relief in a money laundering case. The Supreme Court bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta listed the matter for the second week of May to hear Soren’s plea. The Supreme Court also mentioned that the Jharkhand High Court could pronounce the order in Soren’s plea challenging his arrest in the money laundering case. The High Court had reserved the order on Soren’s plea on February 28.

Dissatisfied with the High Court’s delay in deciding his plea, Soren approached the Supreme Court and simultaneously sought interim bail. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Soren, informed the Supreme Court that the High Court had not yet passed an order on Soren’s plea challenging his arrest, and requested interim bail in the matter. Earlier, Soren had requested an urgent hearing due to the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

In February, the High Court had reserved its decision on Soren’s plea challenging his arrest. Soren, through his advocate Pragya Baghel, has contended that his arrest was unwarranted and his remand in the matter was arbitrary and illegal. Soren has termed his arrest as illegal and malafide.

After much speculation and a dramatic sequence of events, Hemant Soren, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Chairperson, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a land scam case in January.

Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren denied interim bail

April 27, 2024, 3:42 pm

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was denied interim bail on Saturday by a
special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ranchi in connection with a land scam case.

The Chief Minister had requested a 13-day interim bail from the court to attend the funeral of his uncle, Raja Ram Soren, who passed away earlier that day.

Raja Ram Soren was the elder brother of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren.

On Wednesday, Ex-CM Soren approached the Supreme Court seeking relief in a money laundering case.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Hemant Soren, brought up his plea contesting his arrest before a bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

Sibal informed the bench that the Jharkhand High Court had reserved its decision on Soren’s petition challenging his arrest towards the end of February, but the verdict had not been pronounced yet.

He additionally requested an urgent hearing, citing the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. Soren informed the bench that by the time the election concluded, he would still be in jail.

Hemant Soren was detained by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in January this year in connection with the land scam case.

The investigation focuses on substantial amounts of proceeds of crime generated through the falsification of official records, involving the use of ‘fake sellers’ and purchasers through forged or bogus documents to acquire extensive parcels of land valued in crores.

PMLA court acknowledges ED’s prosecution complaint against incarcerated Hemant Soren

April 4, 2024, 12:10 pm

The Special PMLA court in Ranchi has taken note of a prosecution complaint filed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Saturday against incarcerated Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and former chief minister, Hemant Soren, regarding a money laundering case associated with a land ‘scam’.

The extensive complaint, spanning 5,500 pages, was presented before a special PMLA court in Ranchi on Saturday. Additionally, the central investigative agency has seized 8.5 acres of land linked to the ‘scam’ case.

Soren was apprehended on January 31 and is presently detained at the Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, Ranchi. His judicial custody was extended until April 4 by the PMLA court on March 21.

On February 29, The Jharkhand High Court rejected a plea filed by the former CM, seeking permission to attend the budget session of the state assembly.

Previously, the ED asserted that it had discovered cash exceeding Rs 36 lakh in possession of the JMM leader, along with documents related to the investigation into the purported acquisition of land through ‘fraudulent means’. The agency further stated that parcels of land spanning 8.5 acres were part of the alleged criminal proceeds acquired by the former CM.

ED presents ‘539 pages’ of WhatsApp chats of Hemant Soren to court

February 8, 2024, 2:34 pm

The challenges for former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren, currently in judicial remand for an alleged land scam, appear to be escalating. New revelations from Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials suggest that Soren, along with officers in close proximity, not only participated in acquiring government lands but also engaged in the transfer posting of officers through bribery.

ED officials uncovered this fresh allegation against Soren through WhatsApp chats obtained during their investigation. A total of 539 pages of WhatsApp conversations between Soren and his close associate Binod Singh, an architect, were presented in court. The ED contended that documents related to the transfer of Bokaro and Chalbasa Jail Superintendent were found on the mobile device, indicating discussions on the rates for transfer postings.

The ED claims that these chats indicate Soren’s involvement in acquiring government land through document forgery and manipulation, as well as engaging in irregularities related to transfer postings and accepting money by exploiting his position.

Simultaneously, the PMLA court in Ranchi extended Soren’s ED remand by an additional 5 days, despite the agency’s request for a 7-day extension.

‘What is there to say?’ CM Champai Soren remarks

February 6, 2024, 3:45 pm

A day after winning the floor test, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren arrived to Ranchi’s State Assembly for the final day of the special session.
“What is there to say?” “What can I say about those who have no issue (to raise)?” the Chief Minister said to reporters as he approached the Assembly.
Chief Minister Champai Soren won the Trust Vote on Monday with a 47:29 margin.
In the 81-member assembly, the midway point for a majority is 41. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, with 29 seats, and its ally Congress, with 17, were optimistic of comfortably passing the trust vote.

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement in connection with the alleged land scam, was also present in the Assembly for the floor test. On February 2, the court remanded Soren to ED custody for five days.
A special court in Ranchi granted Soren permission to vote in the Trust Vote. Participating in the debate, Hemant Soren stated that his arrest is just one example of the various forms of persecution that tribals and Dalits experience in society.

The Chief Minister launched the debate on the trust resolution in the 81-member Assembly, claiming that the Centre is exploiting the agencies.
“The central government’s leader abused agencies. In 2019, Hemant received the mandate. “Such a Chief Minister is arrested in a land scam case,” the Chief Minister stated, defending his predecessor.
He stated that throughout Jharkhand’s history, anytime tribals try to expand their ability, attempts are made to restrict their leadership.

“Today the whole country is seeing how injustice is being done to Hemant Soren. If you go to any village, you will find Hemant Soren’s schemes in every house,” he added.

Hemant Soren Brought Back To ED After Floor Test

February 5, 2024, 4:15 pm

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was brought back to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after the Champai Soren-led Jharkhand government won the Trust Vote in the State Assembly on Monday.

The motion of confidence in the Jharkhand government, headed by Chief Minister Champai Soren, was approved by the state Assembly on Monday.
With a 47:29 majority, the coalition government prevailed in the floor test.
The House members who supported and opposed the motion were asked to take their seats one by one by Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato.

“(A total of) 47 votes have been received in favour of the motion. There were 29 votes against the motion. Thus, this House passes the Trust Vote,” the Speaker said before adjourning the House till 11 am on Tuesday.

In the 81-member assembly, the halfway mark for a majority is 41.

The allied Congress, with 17 members, and the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, with 29 seats, were sure they would easily pass the Trust Vote.
Hemant Soren, the former chief minister of Jharkhand who was taken into custody by the Directorate of Enforcement in connection with a purported land fraud, was also in attendance during the floor test in the Assembly. Soren was permitted to vote in the trust ballot by a Ranchi special court.
Hemant Soren, a debate participant, claimed that his detention is only one instance of the persecutors that Dalits and tribal people experience in society.

“If you look back at the oppression faced by adivasis, backward, Dalits and minorities, it has been brought forward in multiple ways in different forms. January 31 is an example of this oppression,” he said.

Lashing out at the Bharatiya Janata Party, the former Chief Minister said, “I do not understand why the ruling (central) government has so much hatred towards adivasis and dalits…They don’t hesitate to say that we should remain in jungles. If we come out of jungle their graves will get dirty. They think that we are untouchables.”

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren while setting off the debate on the trust motion said that the Centre is misusing the agencies.
“The one who is ruling the Central government misused agencies. In 2019, Hemant got the mandate. Such a Chief Minister is arrested in a land scam case,” the Chief Minister said supporting his predecessor.

Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren remanded to 5-days ED custody

February 2, 2024, 1:47 pm

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader and former Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, has been remanded to a five-day custody by the High Court in connection with an alleged land scam case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Hemant Soren following multiple summons and extensive questioning on Wednesday night. Previously, a special PMLA court in Ranchi had ordered him to one-day judicial custody.

The ED reported the recovery of over Rs 36 lakh in cash and documents relevant to the ongoing land scam investigation during Soren’s arrest. The agency asserted that the former CM had allegedly acquired 8.5 acres of land as part of criminal proceeds. A raid conducted on April 13, 2023, exposed property-related records in the possession of Revenue Sub-Inspector Bhanu Pratap Prasad. The ED revealed that Bhanu Pratap Prasad and others were part of a large syndicate engaged in corrupt practices related to acquiring properties through force or false deeds.

In response, Hemant Soren moved the Supreme Court challenging his ED arrest, but the court directed him to approach the concerned High Court. The Supreme Court bench, comprising justices Sanjiv Khanna, MM Sundresh, and Bela M. Trivedi, declined to entertain the petition, suggesting that the petitioner approach the jurisdictional High Court. The court acknowledged that Soren could urge the High Court to expedite the case. Despite Soren’s argument, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing him, acknowledged that courts are open to everyone, emphasizing the constitutional role of High Courts.

Soren contested the ED’s summons as illegal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, seeking to quash the impugned summons and related proceedings. He claimed constant harassment by the ED, alleging misuse of authority and powers by the probe agency on behalf of political authorities. The investigation involves the alleged forgery of official records to acquire substantial land parcels through fake transactions, with the proceeds estimated in crores.

Hemant Soren to record his statement before ED on Wednesday

January 30, 2024, 1:09 pm

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has informed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a letter that he will provide his statement to agency officials at 1 pm on Wednesday at his residence. While agreeing to cooperate, Soren accused the questioning of being politically motivated to disrupt his government’s functioning.

Soren’s letter to the ED’s Ranchi office highlighted his preoccupation with the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly between February 2nd and 29th, stating, “your insistence to record a further statement…reeks of malice and reveals your political agenda.”

He emphasized that such acts are “malafide and politically motivated” and questioned the issuance of the summons.

ED officials visited Soren’s residence in the national capital on Monday night for questioning in connection with an alleged land scam case, stating that the Jharkhand Chief Minister could not be located.

Jharkhand Minister Banna Gupta expressed confidence in Soren’s cooperation with the ED, stating, “I don’t want to make any comments on ED; everything will come to people’s court. People set the narrative regarding what is happening to whom and why is it happening.”

Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan in Ranchi emphasized the rule of law, stating, “Nobody is above the law. We have to work within the Constitution. We want law & order to be maintained.”

Meanwhile, Section 144 CrPc has been imposed within a 100-meter radius of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s residence, Raj Bhavan, and the ED office in Ranchi.

The ED issued fresh summons to Soren, asking for his availability on January 29 or 31, warning that the agency will go to him for questioning if he fails to comply. This marks the tenth summons issued to the Jharkhand Chief Minister by the ED.

On Monday night, ED officials seized a luxury car belonging to Soren from his Delhi residence late Monday in connection with the ongoing probe into a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam.

Party MLAs request to be in Ranchi, saying Hemant Soren still untraceable

January 30, 2024, 12:46 pm

All members of the ruling alliance led by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) have been instructed to remain in Ranchi for a meeting on Tuesday addressing the state’s current political situation, amidst concerns of Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s potential arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged land fraud case.

The proposed meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence aims to strategize on the political scenario and the ED’s scheduled questioning of Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday regarding the land case, as confirmed by JMM general secretary and spokesperson Vinod Kumar Singh.

“They will meet on Tuesday to discuss the future course of action,” he stated.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren, responding to the ED, agreed to record his statement in connection with an alleged land scam at his official residence in Ranchi on January 31 at 1 pm.

When queried about Soren’s return to Ranchi, Singh did not provide a response.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan emphasized the importance of adhering to the law, stating, “Like you (media), we are also waiting for the Chief Minister’s response. Nobody is above the law. We have to work within the Constitution. We want law and order to be maintained.”

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure has been imposed within a 100-meter radius of Soren’s official residence, Raj Bhavan, and the ED office in Ranchi.

JMM legislators had stayed at Soren’s official residence in Delhi until late night on Monday following an ED team’s visit for questioning in connection with a money laundering investigation related to an alleged land fraud case.

ED had previously questioned Soren on January 20 in Ranchi and issued a tenth summons for questioning on either January 29 or January 31. Soren had skipped the previous nine summons.

Official sources suggested that Soren was “missing” and could not be contacted by the probe agency. However, he had sent an email agreeing to a fresh round of questioning by the ED investigators on January 31 at his Ranchi residence around 1 pm.

The JMM criticized the ED’s actions as “unconstitutional” and alleged political motivation, claiming that Soren has no connection to the case.

ED arrives at residence of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren for questioning

January 20, 2024, 1:31 pm

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is scheduled to interrogate Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren at his official residence in Ranchi today regarding the land scam case. ED teams entered the CM’s house at 1 pm on Saturday, prompting heightened security around the official residence and various areas in Ranchi. Rajkumar Mehta, Superintendent of Police, Ranchi, stated, “Heavy forces have been deployed in several areas in Ranchi. No citizen has the right to take laws into their hands. Senior officers have been deployed at different places. All the safety parameters have been kept in mind.”

Members of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) gathered at the Chief Minister’s residence, expressing dissent against the ED probe. Earlier in the month, CM Hemant Soren informed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that it could record his statement in the land scam case at his official residence on January 20. The ED had issued the eighth summons to Soren, asking him to participate in the investigation between January 16 to 20.

Previously, a summons was issued to the Chief Minister’s press advisor, Abhishek Prasad, for an investigation into an alleged money laundering case linked to illegal mining. Soren was given a ‘last opportunity’ by the ED to record his statement, which he labeled as ‘illegal’ in his response to the agency. The CM stated, “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.”

Soren had been summoned by the ED earlier in August 2023, in connection with a land ‘scam’ case. He had previously cited preoccupations and provided necessary documents and information to the ED. Soren urged the ED to refer to the documents already shared if further information was required.