How old is Hemant Soren? BJP questions how Jharkhand CM aged by 7 years in 5 years

A controversy has erupted over the age of Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren with the BJP questioning the discrepancy in the age mentioned in Soren's affidavit. While the CM's age was shown as 41 in the 2019 election nomination affidavit, it was mentioned as listed as 49 in the 2024 affidavit.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo took to X to slam Soren. "Have you ever heard of someone's age increasing by 7 years in 5 years? This can happen in Jharkhand." 

Soren's opponent and BJP candidate from Barhet Gamaliel Hembram has filed a complaint with Returning Officer Gautam Bhagat in this regard. The Opposition has asked Soren to clarify the discrepancy and state which affidavit mentions his right age. "If his age in 2024 is correct, then it means he won the 2019 assembly elections based on a wrong affidavit. If so, then who is responsible for this?", the BJP questioned. 

The BJP has also raised concerns about the assets mentioned in Soren's affidavit. Gamaliyal claims that while Soren declared that his land in Bokaro's Jaridih was worth Rs 10 lakh in 2019, he has declared its worth as Rs 4, 45,000 in 2024. 

While Soren mentioned only two plots (purchased between 2006 and 2008) as his assets in 2019, he mentioned 23 plots this time, which he claims were registered between 2006 and 2008. "So why was this not mentioned in the 2019 affidavit," he asked.

However, the JMM has defended its leader, stating that everything was crystal clear. 

JMM leader Manoj Pandey said the party had nothing to hide. "Everything is crystal clear. Documents are attached and verified. We do not hide information," Pandey said, adding that the BJP should keep their political spirits up.

"They sense a huge defeat. Do not lose your mental balance, keep your political spirit as victory and defeat keep happening in politics," he said.