JMM leaders react to Champai Soren's 'BJP switch': 'Self sabotage'

Amid speculations that Jharkhand former Chief Minister and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) senior leader Champai Soren might switch to BJP, party leaders have begun to break their silence over the impending split. While Hemant Soren took a swipe at BJP for "poaching MLAs", JMM leader Manoj Pandey said Champai's move amounted to "self-sabotage".

Since Champai Soren has yet not confirmed his switch, despite giving multiple hints about being humiliated at the party. Though the JMM top leadership has been maintaining a silence, Chief Minister Hemant Soren used his public appearance at Godda to hit out at the BJP for trying to break families and parties.

Also read: All options are open,' says Champai Soren amid buzz of joining BJP

The chief minister said the BJP was bringing people from Gujarat, Assam and Maharashtra to "spread poison among the tribals, Dalits, backward classes and minorities and make them fight with each other".

"They poach MLAs. Money is such a thing that it doesn't take long for politicians to move here and there," Soren said.  

Hemant Soren also said that the Assembly elections in Jharkhand are due this year but the poll schedule would be "decided by the opposition party in the state, not by the Election Commission". "It seems the Election Commission is no longer a constitutional institution, as it has been occupied by BJP people," he alleged.

"I challenge them (BJP) that if the assembly elections are held today, they will be wiped out from Jharkhand tomorrow," Soren said.

JMM leader Manoj Pandey too reacted to Champai's move, and warned that it would be self-sabotage for him. Expressing his disappointment, Pandey said it would be inappropriate for him to comment on Champai's remarks. "Champai Soren is a cautious leader and remains a member of the party. However, if he does make such remarks and leaves the party for another, such as the BJP, it would be self-sabotage for him," Panday said.

He added that he couldn't believe that a mature politician like Champai would decide to join the BJP, which is already a sinking ship. Panday said that the JMM would respond accordingly. As for the impact Champai's decision would have on the INDIA bloc and party, Panday said it is a matter for later. "However, Champai Da will suffer immediately, that much is certain," he added.

Meanwhile, reports quoting BJP sources said talks were still going on regarding Champai’s future in the party. It also remains to be seen how the saffron party will accommodate Champai as it already has strong leaders, including three former chief ministers, in the party.