BJP demands disqualification of Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren over age and income discrepancies in affidavit

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s nomination for the 2024 Assembly elections has drawn scrutiny after his affidavit revealed discrepancies in his reported age and income. Filed for his candidacy in the Barhait constituency, the affidavit lists Soren’s age as 49, compared to 42 in his 2019 filing, leading the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to question the seven-year age increase over a five-year period. This discrepancy has sparked demands from BJP leaders for the cancellation of Soren’s nomination on the grounds of inaccurate documentation.

In addition to the age issue, the BJP has raised concerns about changes in Soren’s declared income and assets. According to his latest affidavit, Soren’s income has decreased from ₹10 lakh in 2019 to ₹4 lakh in 2024, a point the BJP argues warrants further scrutiny. The party also claims that certain assets are unlisted in the affidavit, which they allege may indicate omissions. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo has filed complaints with Jharkhand election officials and announced plans to escalate the matter to the Election Commission of India for investigation.

The BJP’s campaign in Jharkhand has seen prominent voices weigh in, including Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is serving as co-in-charge of the BJP’s Jharkhand election strategy. Sarma, addressing the affidavit issue, alleged that the JMM-led government under Soren lacks transparency, describing it as “a government of infiltrators.” He called on voters to elect a government that he described as “more accountable,” and raised previous concerns about statements made by JMM leader Irfan Ansari regarding the tribal community.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has responded to the BJP’s statements, defending Soren and the contents of his affidavit. JMM leader Manoj Pandey dismissed the allegations as “baseless,” asserting that all documentation was duly verified. According to Pandey, the focus on the affidavit reflects the BJP’s “fear of defeat” in the Jharkhand elections. Additionally, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal called the BJP’s stance a “diversion tactic,” stating that the alliance is confident of securing victory in the state.

Jharkhand’s 2024 Assembly elections will be held in two phases, scheduled for November 13 and November 20, with vote counting on November 23. More than 2.6 crore electors, including 11.84 lakh first-time voters, persons with disabilities, third-gender individuals, and seniors, are expected to vote. The election marks a pivotal contest between the BJP and the JMM-led alliance, which came to power in 2019 after defeating the BJP.