Feb-4, After the resignation of Hemant Soren, Champai Soren sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Jharkhand and claimed the support of 47 MLAs from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, Congress, and RJD. He faces a floor test in the state Assembly tomorrow. But the latest developments suggest the fight is far from over. One of his 47 MLAs is strongly opposed to the process of forming a new government, starting in the wake of former chief minister Hemant Soren’s resignation. According to sources, another JMM lawmaker is absent and is likely to miss tomorrow’s floor test. Although the JMM is busy maintaining unity among MLAs, it stressed that it has enough numbers to get a majority in the 81-member assembly.
The JMM MLA said that, Mr. Hemant Soren is in jail because he ignored his advice. Robin Hembrom, who represents Borio seat in Sahibganj district, attended an event organized by a non-political organization. Speaking to the media on the sidelines, Hembrom said the JMM manifesto promises to implement the Chhota Nagpur Tenancy Act and the Santal Parganas Tenancy Act ahead of the 2019 state elections. The JMM MLA also said that the central law, the Panchayat (Extension to Planned Areas) Act, 1996, has not been implemented in the state.
While his first two laws are aimed at protecting tribal land rights, the PESA Act empowers Gram Sabhas to protect tribals from exploitation. “The gram sabhas currently have no power. Once the PESA law comes into force, it will become more powerful. When none of these shields (for tribals) were implemented, we had no choice but to form this forum, Jharkhand Bachao Morcha,” he said.
The lawmaker said he would sever all ties with JMM. “Jharkhand State was established after such a struggle under Shibu Soren. However, to date, these problems have not been resolved locally. Now people are calling me a traitor,” he said.