Hemant Soren was sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on November 29, 2024, marking the beginning of his fourth term. The ceremony took place at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi, with Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administering the oath. Notably, Soren is the first individual to serve as chief minister for four terms, solidifying his position as a prominent figure within the state's political sphere.
The event saw attendance from top leaders of the INDIA bloc, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and AAP's Arvind Kejriwal, among others. Family members of Soren, including his father, Shibu Soren, were also present, highlighting the personal significance of the occasion.
After taking the oath, Soren expressed his commitment to serving all sections of society, particularly the marginalized and underprivileged groups. "This Jharkhand government will work day and night for all sections of people of Jharkhand including the poor, deprived, and exploited... Abua (our) government,” he stated, reinforcing his party's pledge to social inclusivity.
The swearing-in ceremony was not merely political; it was culturally enriching as well. The event featured traditional performances illuminating Jharkhand's vibrant heritage. Tribal dancers adorned in traditional attire entertained the gathering, celebrating the state's rich cultural diversity.
Leading up to this momentous occasion, Soren's Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), part of the ruling coalition with Congress and RJD, achieved remarkable electoral success. The alliance won 56 seats out of 81 available, securing two-thirds majority during the elections held on November 13 and 20. This triumph indicates not only Soren's strong leadership but also the electorate's trust in his vision for the state.
Prior to the oath ceremony, the political atmosphere was charged, as Soren highlighted the importance of unity among the people of Jharkhand. He stated, "Our unity is our biggest weapon. We can neither be divided nor silenced," reiterative of his stance against attempts to undermine his leadership from the central government.
Throughout his political career, Hemant Soren has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. From his early beginnings as a Rajya Sabha member to his recognition as the youngest chief minister of Jharkhand at age 38, Soren has navigated the turbulent waters of regional politics. He first ascended to the role of chief minister after securing the support of Congress and RJD following his party's success in the 2019 elections.
Soren's leadership style has often echoed the sentiments of the tribal communities of Jharkhand. Following the BJP-led government's attempts to amend laws protecting tribal rights, he mobilized widespread protests, positioning himself as the champion of the tribal populace. This advocacy not only garnered him significant public support but also laid the groundwork for his subsequent electoral wins.
With his fourth term underway, Soren has promised to focus on several key issues facing Jharkhand, including poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare improvements. His government aims to bolster economic development by attracting investments and creating job opportunities, particularly for young people.
After the swearing-in, Soren headed directly to his first cabinet meeting at Jharkhand Mantralaya. There, he took steps toward addressing pressing matters by presenting a government job appointment letter and administering financial assistance to the family of Arjun Kumar Mahato, a martyr from the Indian army. This act is indicative of his government’s focus on honoring and supporting those who serve the nation.
The political dynamics of Jharkhand have shifted significantly over the years, with Soren's leadership having played a pivotal role. His ability to rally support from various communities and navigate alliances has proven effective, strengthening his position against opposition parties, especially the BJP, which has been trying to regain its foothold in the state.
Looking forward, Soren's administration will undoubtedly face challenges, particularly from the opposition and the central government. With the loyalty of Jharkhand’s people behind him and the formidable support of the INDIA bloc, he is well-placed to champion the needs and rights of his constituents.
Overall, Hemant Soren's impressive political record, combined with his commitment to improving the lives of the people of Jharkhand, sets the stage for what many hope will be another transformative term for the state.
