Kalpana Soren: Wife of Hemant Soren, touted as potential next Jharkhand CM

PTC News Desk: In the unfolding political landscape of Jharkhand, Kalpana Soren, wife of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, emerges as a potential successor if her husband faces arrest in an alleged money laundering case. Sources within the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha Party suggest that a contingency plan has been discussed, proposing Kalpana Soren as the alternative leader.

Earlier this month, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey made a similar claim, but it was promptly dismissed by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who also ruled out the possibility of his wife entering electoral politics in the near future.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to question Chief Minister Hemant Soren in connection with the money laundering case. If an arrest transpires, there are considerations among party MLAs to appoint Kalpana Soren as the Chief Minister. Notably, Kalpana Soren is not currently a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). In the event of her assuming the role of Chief Minister, she would need to win a by-election within six months to secure her seat.

However, a potential hurdle arises due to the limited timeframe for a bypoll, as the current assembly's term concludes in less than a year.

Kalpana Soren, originally from Odisha's Mayurbhanj, entered into matrimony with Hemant Soren on February 7, 2006. The couple has two children, Nikhil and Ansh.

Born in 1976 in Ranchi, Kalpana pursued her education in engineering and later obtained an MBA. Beyond her role as the Chief Minister's spouse, she reportedly manages a school, engages in organic farming, and possesses three commercial buildings valued at nearly ₹5 crore. Additionally, she actively participates in programs related to women and children empowerment.

In 2022, Kalpana Soren gained public attention when former Chief Minister Raghubar Das accused Chief Minister Hemant Soren of misusing his position to allocate an industrial plot to a company owned by Kalpana Soren. The unfolding events add a layer of complexity to Jharkhand's political scenario, as the potential transition of power looms amid controversy.

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(Inputs from agencies)