Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s potential legal troubles have spurred discussions within his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Party regarding his successor, with sources suggesting that his wife Kalpana Soren could be considered if he faces arrest.
The Chief Minister is slated to face questioning by the Enforcement Directorate tomorrow in connection with an alleged money laundering case, raising the possibility of his arrest following the interrogation.
According to sources, Mr. Soren disclosed this contingency plan during a meeting with MLAs from the ruling alliance. The MLAs have reportedly expressed their full support for the Chief Minister, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the stability of the government.
However, there may be legal obstacles to Mrs. Soren assuming the Chief Ministerial role. Constitutional provisions stipulate that if the Assembly’s term is due to expire in less than a year, by-elections cannot be held, posing a challenge for Kalpana Soren to become an MLA.
The Assembly election in Jharkhand is scheduled for November this year. If necessary, legal opinions will be sought, or alternative leadership arrangements will be considered, according to sources.
The alleged ₹600-crore land scam involves a complex scheme to transfer ownership of government land, which was subsequently sold to developers, as per the agency’s accusations. In connection with this case, the agency has already arrested 14 individuals, including Chhavi Ranjan, a 2011-batch IAS officer who formerly served in key positions within the state Social Welfare Department and as deputy commissioner of Ranchi.
Mr. Soren has maintained his innocence, claiming that he is the victim of a significant conspiracy.
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