Hemant Soren takes oath as Jharkhand CM for the fourth time

Hemant Soren was sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on Thursday, marking the beginning of his fourth term in office. The ceremony took place at the Morabadi Ground in Ranchi, where Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administered the oath of office and secrecy to Soren. The event follows the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA alliance's resounding victory in the recently concluded state assembly elections, solidifying Soren's political dominance in Jharkhand.

The JMM-led alliance, which includes the Congress and several regional parties, secured 56 out of the 81 seats in the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. This was a significant win, far outpacing the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which only managed to win 24 seats. Soren's re-election to the Barhait constituency was one of the major highlights of the results. He defeated BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes, further consolidating his position as the dominant leader in the state. The JMM’s victory was also marked by strong performance in tribal-dominated constituencies, which form a core part of the party's voter base.

The JMM’s victory reflects widespread support for Hemant Soren, particularly among Jharkhand’s tribal communities, who have been a key constituency for the party since its formation. Soren’s leadership has been associated with advocacy for tribal rights, development, and social justice, making him a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape. As the new government takes office, Soren is expected to continue pursuing policies aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of Jharkhand’s marginalized communities, particularly tribals, Dalits, and backward classes.

Prominent political leaders attended the swearing-in ceremony, underscoring the political significance of Soren's victory. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, along with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, and leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), were present to witness the event. Their attendance highlighted the JMM’s importance within the broader opposition alliance, which has been actively working to challenge the BJP’s influence in regional politics.

Following the swearing-in, the next crucial step for Hemant Soren’s administration will be the formation of the state cabinet. Soren has indicated that the cabinet expansion will take place after the new government passes a vote of confidence in the state assembly. This will ensure that the new government has the full backing of the legislative body before it begins implementing its policy agenda. Soren's government is expected to focus on areas such as infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, tribal welfare, education, healthcare, and economic growth.