A political storm has arisen in Jharkhand as Chief Minister Hemant Soren faces scrutiny from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding discrepancies in his age as listed in his election affidavits. The controversy began when Soren’s age was reported as 41 in his 2019 election nomination papers, yet the 2024 affidavit lists him as 49, raising questions about the accuracy of his declarations.
BJP’s Accusations
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo took to social media platform X, questioning how a person’s age could increase by seven years in just five years. “Have you ever heard of someone’s age increasing by 7 years in 5 years? This can happen in Jharkhand,” he remarked, highlighting the oddity of the situation. The BJP’s candidate for the Barhet constituency, Gamaliel Hembram, has lodged a formal complaint with Returning Officer Gautam Bhagat, demanding clarity from Soren on the matter.
The BJP has pressed Soren to clarify which affidavit accurately reflects his age, insinuating that if the 2024 age is correct, he may have won the 2019 elections under false pretenses. “If his age in 2024 is correct, then it means he won the 2019 assembly elections based on a wrong affidavit. If so, who is responsible for this?” the BJP questioned, adding fuel to the fire.
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Concerns Over Assets
In addition to the age controversy, the BJP has also raised concerns regarding the assets declared by Soren in his affidavits. Hembram pointed out a discrepancy in the valuation of Soren’s land in Bokaro’s Jaridih, which was reported as worth ₹10 lakh in 2019 but is now valued at ₹4.45 lakh in 2024. Furthermore, while Soren had initially declared only two plots of land purchased between 2006 and 2008 in his 2019 affidavit, he now claims ownership of 23 plots registered during the same period. Hembram questioned, “So why was this not mentioned in the 2019 affidavit?”
JMM’s Defense
In response to the allegations, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has come to the defense of their leader, asserting that all details are transparent and well-documented. JMM leader Manoj Pandey emphasized, “Everything is crystal clear. Documents are attached and verified. We do not hide information.” He also criticized the BJP for their political tactics, suggesting that they are sensing impending defeat and should maintain their composure.
Pandey stated, “Do not lose your mental balance; keep your political spirit high. Victory and defeat keep happening in politics.” This response illustrates the JMM’s intent to remain steadfast amidst the controversy and asserts their commitment to transparency.
The unfolding controversy surrounding Hemant Soren’s age and asset declarations raises significant questions about accountability and transparency in politics. As both parties prepare for the upcoming elections, how this issue will impact public perception remains to be seen. With the BJP calling for clarification and the JMM defending their leader, this political battle is far from over.
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