Hemant Soren Takes Oath as Jharkhand Chief Minister for 4th Time
In a historic event held on November 28, 2024, Hemant Soren took oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the fourth time. The grand ceremony took place at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi, where Soren was administered the oath of office by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar. This significant event was attended by a host of prominent leaders from across the political spectrum, marking a momentous day in Jharkhand’s political history.
A Star-Studded Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony was a star-studded affair, with key political figures from the INDIA alliance in attendance. Among the notable attendees were Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal. The presence of these leaders underscored the importance of the event and the unity within the opposition alliance.
The Election Results
The recent Jharkhand Assembly elections saw the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance securing a decisive victory. The alliance, which includes the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), won 56 out of the 81 seats in the assembly. The JMM emerged as the single largest party with 34 seats, followed by the Congress with 16 seats and the RJD with 4 seats. This victory marked a significant achievement for Hemant Soren and his coalition partners, reflecting the electorate’s confidence in their leadership.
Also Read: Jharkhand Assembly Election Results 2024
Hemant Soren's Oath-Taking Ceremonies
Hemant Soren has taken oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand four times in the following years:
2013: Hemant Soren first became the Chief Minister of Jharkhand in July 2013.
2019: He took oath for the second time in December 2019.
2024: Hemant Soren was sworn in for his third term in November 2024. This was a dramatic comeback by Hemant Soren. He took his third oath as Chief Minister after overcoming legal challenges and being re-elected as the President of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)
2024: He took oath for the fourth time on November 28, 2024
A Historic Day for Jharkhand
The ceremony began with traditional tribal dances and music, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the venue. Hemant Soren, dressed in a white kurta, pyjama, and Nehru jacket, took the oath of office, reaffirming his commitment to the people of Jharkhand. In his address, Soren emphasized the importance of unity and social justice, vowing to continue the struggle for the rights and welfare of the state’s residents.
Cabinet Formation
While Hemant Soren took the oath alone, the formation of his cabinet is expected to follow soon after a vote of confidence in the assembly. The Jharkhand ministry can have up to 11 cabinet ministers. In the previous tenure, the cabinet included six ministers from the JMM, four from the Congress, and one from the RJD. This time, the Congress is yet to finalize its list of ministers, with several contenders lobbying for positions. The cabinet expansion is anticipated to reflect a balanced representation of the coalition partners, ensuring inclusive governance.
Congress and Other Parties' Representation
The Congress is expected to secure four ministerial posts in the new cabinet, while the RJD is likely to retain one position. The CPI (ML), which has two MLAs, will support the government from outside. This distribution of portfolios aims to maintain the coalition’s unity and address the diverse needs of Jharkhand’s population.
Challenges Ahead
As Hemant Soren embarks on his fourth term, he faces numerous challenges, including addressing unemployment, improving healthcare, boosting education, enhancing infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable development. His administration’s ability to tackle these issues effectively will be crucial in maintaining the trust and support of the people of Jharkhand and driving the state’s progress.
Conclusion
Hemant Soren‘s fourth term as Jharkhand Chief Minister marks a new chapter in the state’s political landscape. The grand swearing-in ceremony, attended by key opposition leaders, highlighted the significance of this event. With a strong mandate from the electorate, Soren and his coalition partners are poised to lead Jharkhand towards a future of unity, social justice, and development. As the new cabinet takes shape, the focus will be on delivering on the promises made during the election campaign and addressing the aspirations of the people of Jharkhand.
