Trouble in tribal land
THE WEEK India|February 18, 2024
Jharkhand politics is in a state of chaos, and it could have serious repercussions for Hemant Soren and his party
SONI MISHRA
Trouble in tribal land

HEMANT SOREN LOOKED every bit the son of the soil in a white kurta-pyjama and red ‘gamcha’ around his neck—a departure from the ‘smart casual’ western attire that he usually sports—as he arrived at the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha on February 5 to take part in the vote of confidence for the Champai Soren government. The proceedings were necessitated by Hemant’s resignation as chief minister just before his dramatic arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on the night of January 31 in connection with the alleged irregularities in a land purchase in Ranchi.

Still in ED custody, Hemant was at the centre of the discussion on the floor of the house. He made an emotive speech, playing up his tribal identity and dubbing the ED action as political vendetta by the ‘anti-tribal’ BJP. “If they feel that by putting me behind the bars they will succeed in their aim of finishing an adivasi leader or finishing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, they are mistaken,” he declared. “This is Jharkhand, which has fought for its rights and will not back down.” Champai Soren won the trust vote with 47 MLAs backing him.

Hemant, 48, wanted to project himself as a political martyr, and his speech reflected his concerns about an aggressive BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and the state election. His arrest poses an existential threat to his party, which was founded by his father, Shibu Soren. And the turn of events brings into focus yet again the wobbliness of Jharkhand politics.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE WEEK INDIAView all
Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?
THE WEEK India

Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?

India look to win their third straight Test series in Australia, but ageing superstars and recent humiliation at home have cast a shadow on their hopes

time-read
6 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk
THE WEEK India

Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk

PEOPLE WITH CONSTIPATION have an increased risk of major cardiac events, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, especially if they also have high blood pressure, finds an international study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing
THE WEEK India

Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing

SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS can harm the heart and accelerate ageing, even if you are young and get the minimum recommended amount of daily exercise, according to a US study published in the journal PLOS One.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
Efficiency and innovation
THE WEEK India

Efficiency and innovation

As health care evolves, professionals must employ innovative methods to refine their skills

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Level up
THE WEEK India

Level up

Only 30 per cent of needy patients are able to undergo transplant in India; we need more dedicated transplant centres

time-read
2 mins  |
December 01, 2024
HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL
THE WEEK India

HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL

While stem cell therapies have shown success in treating blood disorders, orthopaedic ailments, autoimmune diseases and eye issues, there is hope that they can one day treat patients with heart disease, blindness, Parkinson's, HIV, diabetes and spinal cord injuries

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 01, 2024
Mind matters
THE WEEK India

Mind matters

Your mindset can limit or expand your physical ability

time-read
3 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Cutting edge
THE WEEK India

Cutting edge

Would you go under the knife if a robot was the one holding it? Or would you say, \"No way, I need a human touch\"? You might have to decide soon because a robot that can imitate skilled human surgeons is already here.

time-read
1 min  |
December 01, 2024
The smallest cut
THE WEEK India

The smallest cut

Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon

time-read
4 mins  |
December 01, 2024
Signalling a revolution
THE WEEK India

Signalling a revolution

Canadian scientist and entrepreneur Sachdev Sidhu is focused on bringing cutting-edge antibody engineering to his country of origin

time-read
7 mins  |
December 01, 2024