Hemant Soren is all set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the third term on July 7, as confirmed by news agency ANI. The leaders of the INDIA bloc, including JMM executive president Hemant Soren, met with Governor CP Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan in Ranchi on July 4.

“The Governor has extended an invitation for us to form the government. The official swearing-in ceremony will take place on July 7,” stated Supriyo Bhattacharya, General Secretary of JMM, in an interview with ANI.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren submitted his resignation to the Governor on July 3, following which Hemant Soren has now staked his claim to form the government.

After being granted bail by the High Court on June 28, Hemant Soren was unanimously chosen as the leader by JMM’s legislature party on July 2. Despite reports of the ED planning to file a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court against the bail order, the INDIA bloc allies – Congress and RJD – have backed Hemant’s decision.

It is highly likely that Champai will also be included in the upcoming Hemant Soren government as a minister. Champai, a revered leader in the Kolhan region, which sends 14 members to the Jharkhand assembly, enjoys significant support.

With elections scheduled in Jharkhand later this year, the ruling coalition of the INDIA bloc faces the challenge of retaining power in the state amidst anti-incumbency sentiments. The upcoming polls will be closely watched to see if the government can secure re-election.

In a surprising turn of events in 2019, JMM emerged victorious in the assembly polls, overthrowing the BJP government led by Raghubar Das, despite winning just one Lok Sabha seat in the general election.

Hemant has now officially staked his claim to form the upcoming government in Jharkhand, with the current strength of the 81-member Jharkhand assembly standing at 76.

The recent leadership change has provided fodder for the opposition BJP to criticize the JMM as a family-centric party. Former CM and Jharkhand BJP chief, Babulal Marandi, has raised concerns about tribal leaders outside the Shibu Soren family being treated as mere pawns within the party.