1. BJP leader Nishikant Dubey hints at Kalpana Soren, Jharkhand CM’s wife, as a potential successor.
2. The claim arises amidst an ED investigation into Hemant Soren regarding a money laundering case.
3. Hemant Soren had left Ranchi, and BJP alleges he is “absconding” fearing ED action.
Ranchi, Jan 30: BJP leader Nishikant Dubey has made a bold claim about the future of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, suggesting that his wife, Kalpana Soren, might take over the chief ministerial position.
The assertion came in the wake of Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials visiting Hemant Soren’s residence for questioning in connection with a money laundering investigation related to an alleged land fraud case.
Dubey, in a post on social media platform X, stated that Hemant Soren had summoned supporters from his party JMM, Congress, and allied MLAs to Ranchi, instructing them to bring their “luggage and bags.”
According to Dubey, there is a proposal to appoint Kalpana Soren as the Chief Minister. He added that Hemant Soren, fearing ED questioning, claimed to be on the road and would announce his arrival after reaching Ranchi.
हेमंत सोरेन जी ने अपने यानि झामुमो व कॉंग्रेस तथा सहयोगी विधायकों को राँची समान तथा बैग के साथ बुलाया है ।सूचना अनुसार कल्पना सोरेन जी को मुख्यमंत्री बनाने का प्रस्ताव है ।मुख्यमंत्री ने सूचना दी है कि @dir_ed के पूछताछ के डर से वे सड़क मार्ग से रॉंची पहुँचकर अपने अवतरित होने की…
— Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) January 29, 2024
Hemant Soren had left Ranchi for Delhi on January 27, with his party explaining that it was for personal reasons and that he would return soon.
However, the Jharkhand BJP alleged that the Chief Minister had been “absconding” for the last 18 hours, fearing ED action. They urged Governor C P Radhakrishnan to take cognizance, citing the potential impact on the credibility and reputation of Jharkhand.
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The ED had issued a fresh summons to Hemant Soren, asking him to confirm his availability for questioning on either January 29 or January 31.
In response, Soren communicated that he would appear for questioning at his residence at 1 pm on January 31. The investigation revolves around an alleged “huge racket of illegal change of ownership of land by the mafia” in Jharkhand.
Soren, in his communication with the ED, emphasized the focus of the agency’s inquiries into bank account deposits related to businesses associated with Sohrai Events and Sohrai Bhawan between 2018 and 2022.
He clarified that these businesses are legal offices held by his wife, Kalpana Soren. Additionally, Soren accused the ED of attempting to character assassinate him, alleging the dissemination of false information leading to a media trial.
The situation has intensified political tensions in Jharkhand, with the BJP making significant claims about the Chief Minister’s absence and the possibility of a change in leadership.
As the ED investigation progresses, further developments are anticipated, and the political landscape in Jharkhand may witness substantial shifts.
