Hemant Soren, the youngest Chief Minister of Jharkhand, has navigated a politically turbulent and challenging journey, emerging as a key figure in the state’s leadership. Now 49, Soren’s rise has been marked by legal battles, intense party rivalries, and personal setbacks, yet he has transformed into a powerful advocate for tribal rights, earning a reputation as one of the most formidable political leaders in the state.
Soren’s ascent to power wasn’t straightforward. He inherited the political legacy of his father, Shibu Soren, the founder of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), but his path was fraught with struggles. Initially seen as less likely to succeed his father—his elder brother Durga was the designated heir—Hemant stepped into the political spotlight following Durga’s tragic death in 2009. From there, his journey into leadership was cemented, but not without numerous hurdles.
Born on August 10, 1975, in Nemra village near Hazaribag, Soren’s early life was shaped by political upheaval. After briefly studying at Patna High School and Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi (where he eventually dropped out), Hemant’s political career took off in 2009 when he became a Rajya Sabha member. His tenure, however, was short-lived, and in 2010, he resigned to become Deputy Chief Minister in the BJP-led Arjun Munda government. This alliance, too, collapsed in 2012, leading to President’s Rule in the state.
Despite the setbacks, Soren’s resolve remained strong. In 2013, at the age of 38, he became the youngest ever Chief Minister of Jharkhand, with support from Congress and RJD. However, his first term was cut short in 2014, when the BJP came to power, and Soren was relegated to the role of Leader of the Opposition.
The turning point in his career came in 2016 when the BJP government attempted to amend crucial tribal laws—the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act and the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act. Soren spearheaded a major movement to protect the rights of the tribal population, which gained him widespread support and laid the foundation for his return to power in 2019. With the backing of Congress and RJD, Soren reclaimed the Chief Minister’s office after JMM secured 30 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly, its highest tally ever.
However, his tenure has not been free from controversy. In 2023, Soren found himself entangled in a money laundering case linked to a land scam. Following his resignation on January 31, 2023, he was arrested but spent nearly five months in jail before being granted bail by the Jharkhand High Court, which ruled that there was no substantial evidence against him. Soren has consistently claimed that his arrest was politically motivated, designed to undermine his administration and tarnish his credibility.
Despite the challenges, Soren’s commitment to the welfare of Jharkhand’s tribal communities has remained central to his political identity. His government has launched several initiatives aimed at empowering the marginalized, such as the ‘Apke Adhikar, Apki Sarkar, Apke Dwar’ scheme, which brings government services directly to people’s doorsteps. Other significant schemes include the expansion of the state’s pension system, the ‘Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana,’ providing Rs 1,000 monthly aid to women aged 18-51, and farmer loan waivers benefiting over 1.75 lakh farmers.
Soren’s administration has also focused on providing relief to residents, waiving outstanding electricity bills and introducing free power for households consuming up to 200 units. His government’s commitment to social welfare has helped solidify his political support base.
Throughout his career, Soren has faced fierce opposition from the BJP, often accusing the Centre of exploiting Jharkhand’s resources without offering adequate compensation. A prominent issue he has raised is the Rs 1.36 lakh crore in unpaid coal mining dues owed to the state, a matter he has brought to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Internal party struggles have also added to Soren’s challenges. In 2022, he narrowly avoided disqualification as an MLA due to allegations involving a mining lease. However, he managed to retain his position as Chief Minister, proving his political resilience.
Hemant Soren’s political journey is a testament to his determination, resilience, and commitment to the people of Jharkhand. Despite the numerous obstacles, he has remained steadfast, emerging as a symbol of leadership in the face of adversity. His ability to overcome political turbulence and maintain a focus on social welfare has made him one of the most influential leaders in the region.
