February 2, 2024: Champai Soren, the 67-year-old leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, will take oath as the next Chief Minister of Jharkhand today.

Arrested Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was taken into custody in an alleged money laundering case on Wednesday.

Governor CP Radhakrishnan's move came hours after Champai Soren met him earlier on Thursday, pleading that he be called to take oath.

"There is no government (in the state) for 18 hours. There is a situation of confusion. Being the constitutional head, we expect you will soon take steps for the formation of a popular government," read his letter to the Governor.

The delay in the Governor's decision pushed the ruling alliance to move their MLAs, fearing an Operation Lotus by the opposition BJP.

The ruling JMM-Congress-RJD alliance of Jharkhand has 47 MLAs in the 81-member house, where the majority mark is 41. Currently 43 MLAs are backing Champai Soren.