Jharkhand: Will Kalpana join husband Hemant Soren's cabinet after her CM dreams fade?
Hemant Soren preparing for his third term as Jharkhand’s chief minister, attention turns to whether she will join his cabinet.
Kalpana's political ascent
Kalpana’s life took a significant turn in March this year when she officially joined the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), over a month after Hemant’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). At 38, her transition from homemaker to politician saw her actively campaigning for the party, with Champai Soren’s backing, as JMM's face during the Lok Sabha elections. As per a TOI report, she conducted 151 election rallies, appeared alongside top INDIA bloc leaders, and secured a victory by over 22,000 votes in the Gandey assembly segment in Giridih district. This seat had been vacated by Hemant to bring her into the state assembly in case he was imprisoned due to the ongoing land scam investigation.
Upon entering politics, Kalpana stated, «I will be ready to take on whatever responsibility the party gives me.» After her election from Gandey, she emphasised her commitment to accelerating development in her constituency ahead of the assembly elections.
However, JMM insiders told TOI that a faction of lawmakers and party officials had been advocating for Kalpana to succeed Champai Soren as chief minister.
“This group encouraged Kalpana to enter politics while Hemant was initially hesitant. Had Hemant not been granted bail, she likely would have taken over,” a JMM official noted.
Post-Lok Sabha elections, the BJP predicted that Champai would have to step down for Kalpana.
