Ranchi: A special PMLA court has officially framed charges against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, alleging that he unlawfully obtained an 8.86‑acre parcel in the Bargayin area of Ranchi. Soren participated through a video link and flatly denied any misconduct.
Implications of the Court’s Order
The ruling removes the last procedural barrier, clearing the way for the trial phase. The Enforcement Directorate, which is investigating under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, has named seventeen people as accused; charges against the remaining sixteen have already been framed.
BJP’s Call for Resignation
Following the judgment, the Bharatiya Janata Party urged Hemant Soren to vacate his post, contending that his stay in office could hamper witness testimony and the gathering of evidence.
The party frames its demand as a matter of political ethics, insisting that a sitting chief minister under criminal prosecution should step aside to safeguard the integrity of the inquiry.
JMM’s Counter‑Argument
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha responded by turning the spotlight onto the Election Commission. JMM central vice‑president and Rajya Sabha MP Baidyanath Ram argued that if the BJP is ready to demand resignations on procedural grounds, it should also question Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
“If the BJP truly believes in procedural fairness, it should also raise concerns about the Election Commission’s role,” said Baidyanath Ram.
Ram further accused the BJP of inconsistencies in the recent revision of electoral rolls and highlighted the party’s own challenges with law‑and‑order issues in Uttar Pradesh.
Health Minister Defends the Chief Minister
Health Minister Irfan Ansari stood in Soren’s defense, reiterating the call to scrutinize the Chief Election Commissioner and labeling the BJP’s move as a politically driven witch‑hunt lacking concrete evidence.
Looking Ahead to the Trial
Now that charges are framed, the case proceeds to the evidentiary stage. Both prosecution and defence will summon witnesses and submit documentary material, with the trial expected to reconvene from November onward.
The crux of the dispute remains the purported irregular acquisition of the 8.86‑acre Bargayin plot. While Soren continues to assert his innocence, the court will examine the material evidence to determine liability.
