A controversy has erupted regarding the age of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, with the BJP alleging that his age has increased by seven years in the past five years. Soren claimed to be 42 in 2019, but this year, his affidavit states he is 49.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo mocked, “Have you ever heard of someone’s age increasing by 7 years in 5 years? This can happen in Jharkhand.”
कभी सुना है 5 वर्षों में किसी की उम्र 7 वर्ष बढ़ने की बात।
It can happen in Jharkhand.#Elections #HemantSoren— Pratul Shah Deo🇮🇳 (@pratulshahdeo) October 31, 2024
In response, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) defended Soren, asserting that the documents presented confirm his age. JMM spokesperson Tanuj Khatri stated, “The documents submitted with the affidavits prove that Hemant Soren is 49. But the BJP is raking up such issues because it has no one to challenge Hemant Soren. It doesn’t have a CM face.”
The BJP has previously criticized Soren, claiming he deceived the residents of Barhait constituency to gain power. His opponent, Gamaliyal Hembrom, emphasized that the election represents not just his struggle but that of the entire constituency. He highlighted the lack of development in education, healthcare, and drinking water across 618 villages, stating, “This election is not just my fight; it’s the fight of the people of this constituency.”
Hembrom accused the Chief Minister of misleading the “simple people of Barhait” with false promises. He noted that Soren exploits religious and cultural symbols to maintain his power, while fundamental issues affecting the Adivasi community remain unresolved. He pointed out that many women from the community migrate to Delhi for low-paying jobs, saying, “It’s hard to find a single household in Barhait whose daughters aren’t working in other states.”
He also criticized the treatment of Sita Soren, Hemant Soren‘s sister-in-law, stating, “She is respected like a mother, yet she is abused,” implying that this occurs with Hemant Soren’s consent. BJP leader Babulal Marandi added, “The people of Barhait are ready for change, against corruption, nepotism, and appeasement.”
The first phase of voting for the Jharkhand Assembly is scheduled for November 13, with the second phase on November 20 and vote counting on November 23.