Ranchi, July 3: Jharkhand chief minister Champai Soren resigned on Wednesday and Hemant Soren, who is out on bail in a money laundering case, staked claim to form the government, hours after leaders of the JMM-led alliance in the state unanimously elected him as the legislature party leader.
Champai Soren, who had taken oath as the 12th chief minister of Jharkhand on February 2 after Hemant Soren’s arrest, met Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan and tendered his resignation in the presence of the JMM executive president, capping a day-long drama full of speculations.
Hemant Soren staked claim to form the government and the swearing-in ceremony is likely to be held soon. If sworn in, Hemant Soren will be the 13th chief minister of Jharkhand, which was carved out of Bihar on November 15, 2000.
“I have resigned as per the decision of the JMM-led alliance. Our alliance is strong,” Champai Soren said after coming out of Raj Bhavan.
“All know what had happened with Hemant Soren Ji… I was given the responsibility by the coalition partners. Now, the alliance has decided in favour of Hemant Soren Ji,” he said.
Hemant Soren told the media all formalities to form the government are complete. “Everything will be disclosed soon,” the JMM executive president said when asked about the swearing-in.
Earlier, leaders and MLAs of the alliance during a meeting at Champai Soren’s residence here unanimously decided to elect Hemant Soren as the JMM legislature party leader, party sources said. (PTI)
