Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren made a significant political move by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Ranchi just ahead of the state's assembly elections. Champai, who had been a staunch member of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and a close associate of its founder Shibu Soren, decided to switch to the BJP along with a considerable number of his supporters. This move was made public during an event attended by union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Ranchi.
Champai Soren, who had previously served as a minister in the Hemant Soren cabinet, articulated his displeasure with the current functioning and policies of the JMM-led state government as the primary factor motivating his departure from the party. His decision to resign from JMM on August 28 signified a significant shift in his political allegiance, particularly given his history and longstanding affiliation with the party.
Champai Soren's political trajectory saw him assume the role of Chief Minister of Jharkhand in February, following Hemant Soren's resignation from the position before facing legal scrutiny in a money laundering case. However, Champai later stepped down on July 3, allowing Hemant to regain the Chief Minister's post a day later following his release on bail. Reports indicate that Champai Soren's dissatisfaction stemmed from feeling marginalized and disrespected after his removal from the CM position to facilitate Hemant Soren's return to power. This internal discord within the JMM's ranks underscored the shifting dynamics and power struggles within the party ahead of the impending state elections.