Explained: How Hemant Soren Avoided President’s Rule in Jharkhand

Champai Soren was facing a trust vote, with Hemant Soren leading the charge. Hemant Soren, working president of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and son of party founder Shibu Soren, surprised many with deft political moves that helped save the government in Jharkhand. Mr. Soren’s untraceable whereabouts led the BJP to declare a “constitutional crisis,” while the JMM assured that they were in touch with him, and he would appear before the agency on January 31. Hemant Soren managed to prevent President’s rule in the state and facilitate a smooth transfer of power to his close aide, despite his untraceable status.

Hemant Soren’s 1,300 km road trip, dodging media, enforcement agencies, and toll booth cameras, seemed to have enabled him to avoid potential arrest. However, after stepping down, Champai Soren staked claim to form the government, becoming the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. Champai Soren, along with his two deputies from the Congress and RJD, cleared the trust vote with 47 votes in his favor, with 29 votes cast against him. Hemant Soren also managed to attend the majority vote and reached out to miffed MLAs ahead of the floor test, ensuring Champai Soren’s success in the trust vote.