The buzz around Jharkhand is all about the possibility of Hemant Soren’s wife, Kalpana Soren, stepping into the role of Chief Minister if her husband faces arrest. The drama unfolded during a 40-hour period when Hemant Soren seemed to go ‘missing’ as the Enforcement Directorate searched his home in Delhi.
According to some, if Hemant Soren is arrested, Kalpana Soren could take charge as the Chief Minister. BJP’s Nishikant Dubey claimed that Hemant Soren has a plan to install his wife in this position if he faces legal trouble. Hemant Soren is set to appear before the ED today to provide his statement and clear the air.
Kalpana Soren, who initially denied the rumors, is now at the center of speculation, drawing comparisons to Rabri Devi, who took on the role of Bihar Chief Minister in 1996 when Lalu Prasad was arrested. Let’s get to know Kalpana Soren a bit better:
- Non-Political Background: Kalpana Soren is not from a political family and hails from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.
- Marriage: She got married to Hemant Soren on February 7, 2006.
- Family: Kalpana and Hemant Soren are blessed with two children, Nikhil and Ansh.
- Family Background: Her father is a businessman, and her mother is a homemaker. Kalpana is actively involved in business and charity work.
- Entrepreneur and Philanthropist: Kalpana reportedly runs a school and is engaged in organic farming.
- Educational Background: Born in Ranchi in 1946, Kalpana has a background in engineering and an MBA.
- Political Seat: As she is not an MLA, if she were to become the CM, a sitting MLA would need to vacate their seat. However, Hemant’s brother Basant Soren and sister-in-law Sita Soren are reportedly not in favor of Kalpana taking on this role.
- Family Unity: Despite speculations, Hemant’s brother denied any family disputes, asserting that the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha family is united.
- Letter of Support: According to Nishikant Dubey, around 35 MLAs supported the proposal to make Kalpana Soren the next Chief Minister in a recent JMM meeting.
- Active Presence: Kalpana Soren attended meetings with the state’s ministers and party MLAs in Ranchi, countering BJP claims that Hemant Soren absconded after the ED’s search in Delhi. Hemant, however, reached Ranchi from Delhi by road and held two meetings. His statement with the ED is anticipated today.
The unfolding events and speculations add an extra layer of intrigue to the political landscape of Jharkhand. All eyes are on the developments surrounding Hemant Soren’s appearance before the ED and the potential political future of Kalpana Soren.
