Champai Soren Says Joining BJP, Points to Bangladeshi Infiltration

In a social media post, Champai Soren said it was meant to save tribal identity and existence, which is at stake due to "rampant" infiltration from Bangladesh

Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, who had been talking of a new beginning and hinting that he is starting his own party, today admitted that he is joining the BJP. In a social media post, he said it was meant to save tribal identity and existence, which is at stake due to "rampant" infiltration from Bangladesh.

"If these intruders, who are causing economic and social harm to the tribals and natives, are not stopped, the existence of our society in Santhal Pargana will be in danger," reads a rough translation of his post on X, formerly Twitter."In many areas including Pakur, Rajmahal, their number has become more than that of tribals. Apart from politics, we have to make this issue a social movement, only then the existence of tribals will be saved. Only BJP seems serious on this issue and other parties are ignoring it for the sake of votes," he added.Earlier this month, the senior JMM leader, who briefly held the post of the Chief Minister, had claimed that he was deeply upset over the treatment he received after Hemant Soren's return from jail.

Mr Soren said he has experienced "bitter humiliation" as Chief Minister -- his government programmes were cancelled by the party leadership without his knowledge; he was barred from attending programms till a party meeting; being told at the meeting to write his resignation without any prior intimation.