Himanta Biswa Hints at Champai Soren Joining BJP, Asks Hemant Soren to Follow Suit

GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 26th August. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday that the potential joining of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Champai Soren into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would significantly bolster the party’s strength.

His comments come amidst growing speculation that Champai Soren, who has been in the national capital for several days, might switch allegiance from the JMM to the BJP.

“I want Champai Soren to join the BJP and strengthen us. However, since he is a very prominent leader, it is not appropriate for me to comment on him. If he is in Delhi, we will try to communicate with him,” Sarma stated during an interaction with mediapersons. He also revealed that while he has had multiple discussions with Champai Soren, they have not touched on political matters.

“But I feel that this is the right time to talk to him about politics,” he added.

Responding to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s accusations that the BJP is attempting to divide his party, Mr. Sarma quipped, “Look, I even want Hemant Soren to join the BJP. BJP means devotion to the nation. There should be no question of dividing the country. We all work together for the country.”

Sarma, who serves as the BJP’s election in-charge for Jharkhand, which is set to go to the polls later this year, emphasized the party’s readiness to engage in discussions with Hemant Soren on the issue of intruders in Jharkhand. He underscored that the state’s welfare is their priority.

“We are ready to talk to Hemant Soren regarding intruders in Jharkhand. We want to save Jharkhand; it is never about the BJP. For us, the country is above all, including the party,” he asserted.

In a surprising remark, Sarma suggested that if Hemant Soren fulfills his promise of providing five lakh jobs before September 31, “maybe the BJP will not contest the elections.”

Shifting his focus to the recent surge in rape cases, Sarma highlighted Assam’s efforts to address the issue, noting that while the number of cases has decreased since the BJP came to power, the problem persists.

“We are trying our best to tackle the problem of rapes in the state. After we came to power, the numbers dropped from 3,000 to 900. However, even if the number drops to one, it is still not a matter of satisfaction,” he said.

He further emphasized the need for stricter laws and expedited judicial processes to combat such crimes.

“Even if one rape is committed, no one can rest. A strict law is necessary. I would want the entire process — from inquiry to trial to conviction — to be completed within six months. It will have a positive impact,” he added.

On the topic of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), Sarma noted that the notification is not yet out. “After the notification is out, we will make a decision keeping the employees’ convenience in mind,” he concluded.