Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren faces crucial trust vote today in State Assembly

Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren is set to undergo a trust vote in the state assembly following his recent swearing-in on Friday, replacing his predecessor Hemant Soren who was arrested on money laundering charges. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led coalition, including the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist Leninist), holds 48 seats in the 81-member assembly, while the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance has 32 seats.

Coalition Legislators return amid security measures

Thirty-five legislators from the ruling alliance returned to Ranchi from Hyderabad on Sunday, where they were sent to prevent potential poaching attempts by the Opposition BJP. State minister Alamgir Alam asserted the unity of their lawmakers and claimed support from 48 to 50 members.

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Former Chief Minister Hemant Soren, facing money laundering charges, was permitted by a special court in Ranchi to attend the floor test. Security measures are expected to be enforced once Hemant Soren reaches the assembly.

Coalition confident of victory

JMM leader Supriyo Bhattacharya expressed confidence, stating that besides the speaker's support, they have the backing of 47 legislators, surpassing the required majority. Of the four JMM legislators not signing the support letter, Sita Soren and Lobin Hembrom have extended support. Another legislator, Ramdas Soren, is undergoing treatment in Delhi and unlikely to return for six months. The fourth legislator, Chamra Linda, is expected to vote in favor.

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Rebel legislator Lobin Hembrom, who previously opposed the Hemant Soren government over issues like the imposition of prohibition, announced his support for Champai Soren after meeting with JMM founder Shibu Soren and legislator Basant Soren.

As the political drama unfolds in Jharkhand, the trust vote will determine the stability of the new government under Champai Soren's leadership.