Hemant Soren answered the question, “What next?” with a defiant “We are ready!” While the JMM leadership remained tight-lipped about their plans in the event of Soren being disqualified and unable to contest a poll soon, the buzz was that his wife Kalpana or mother Rupi could be asked to step in as his proxy.
JMM is believed to be considering Soren’s wife Kalpana as his first-choice replacement if he can’t stay on.
JMM is believed to be considering Soren’s wife Kalpana as his first-choice replacement if he can’t stay on.
Hemant Soren with his wife Kalpan Soren
BJP has already said that JMM’s attempt to make Kalpana CM would be futile as she does not enjoy ST status in Jharkhand.
Hemant Soren seeking his mother’s blessings
Kalpana’s family has roots in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj.
The other chief ministerial alternatives being spoken about are state welfare minister Joba Manjhi and transport minister Champai Soren.
On the other hand, BJP (26 MLAs in 81-member House) isn’t counting itself out against the backdrop of dissent in allies JMM and Congress.