Jharkhand Coalition Government Faces Trust Vote Amid Political Turmoil
Jharkhand's Chief Minister Hemant Soren was arrested by the ED in a money laundering case, leading to his resignation. Trust vote on February 5 as Champai Soren takes charge, while allegations of illicit land acquisition intensify. Former CM Hemant Soren allowed to participate in the floor test amidst disputes over connections with Bhanu Pratap Prasad.
Jharkhand , February 5 , 2024 In the midst of political upheaval, the Champai Soren-led coalition government in Jharkhand is set to undergo a crucial trust vote during the two-day Assembly session starting Monday. The situation escalated following the arrest of JMM leader and former chief minister Hemant Soren by the Enforcement Directorate (ED)in a money laundering case , Prior to his arrest, Soren resigned, and JMM senior leader Champai Soren was named as his successor assuming the role of Chief Minister.
The ruling coalition, comprising JMM, Congress, RJD, and CPI (ML), is yet to prove its majority in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly. The JMM has 29 seats, Congress holds 17, while the RJD and CPI (ML) each have one seat. With the support of 43 MLAs, the coalition aims to secure victory in the floor test.
To prevent possible poaching attempts by the BJP, the ruling coalition MLAs were relocated to Congress-governed Telangana. Expressing confidence in winning the trust vote, coalition MLAs returned to Ranchi from Hyderabad on Sunday evening. In preparation for the special Assembly session, Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed within a 100-meter radius of the assembly building from 8.00 am on Monday until 10.00 pm on Tuesday, according to an official order.
Amidst the political turmoil, Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan emphasized the unbiased completion of duties, stating that every democratic norm has been strictly followed. Responding to protests by ruling MLAs during his address, the Governor urged maturity, pointing out that the address had been prepared by the ruling party.
Dispute Over Allegations , Hemant Soren’s lawyer, Kapil Sibal, denies any connection between his client and Bhanu Pratap Prasad, implicated in the case. The ED contends that chat records from Prasad’s phone suggest Hemant Soren received illicit benefits from land acquisition. Whereas , According to the ED, Bhanu Pratap Prasad verified some parcels of land that were allegedly illegally acquired by Hemant Soren, adding complexity to the unfolding political and legal drama in Jharkhand.
