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The dawn of February 1st in Jharkhand will not herald the presence of a Chief Minister, marking a tumultuous period in the state’s political landscape. Governor C P Radhakrishnan conveyed to the ruling JMM-Congress alliance that he would revert to their proposal to appoint JMM’s Champai Soren as the leader of the legislature party after careful consideration of all legalities. Chief Minister Hemant Soren tendered his resignation to the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday night, just moments before his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.
The ruling coalition, comprising JMM, Congress, and RJD, boasts 29, 17, and one MLA respectively. In contrast, the Opposition presents a formidable force with 26 BJP members and three from AJSU. Additionally, the CPI(M-L) and NCP (AP) contribute one MLA each, while two independents add to the mix.
The Governor’s decision to withhold immediate action has sparked concerns within the JMM-Congress camp. Congress MLA Dipika Pandey Singh voiced discontent, alleging that the Governor dismissed their majority and treated them disrespectfully.
Champai Soren, in a letter to the Governor, asserted his claim to leadership, citing unanimous support from alliance members. However, the delay in appointing a successor has raised fears of a looming constitutional crisis among the ruling coalition, with concerns about external interference gaining traction.
Former BJP leader and Independent MLA Saryu Roy took to social media to highlight the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the absence of a Chief Minister or functioning government. He suggested that interim President’s rule might be the only recourse until a new government is formed.
Contrary to these apprehensions, Jharkhand Speaker Rabindranath Mahato reassured that the government would continue to operate seamlessly, dismissing concerns of a threat to majority status. However, the uncertainty surrounding the appointment of a new Chief Minister looms large, with the state’s political future hanging in the balance.
As Jharkhand navigates through this period of political flux, the stakes remain high, and the need for swift resolution becomes increasingly urgent. The coming days will undoubtedly test the resilience of the state’s democratic institutions and the ability of its political leaders to steer the ship through troubled waters.