GUWAHATI: The coalition government led by Champai Soren from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress successfully passed the floor test in the Jharkhand assembly on Monday, February 5.
Securing a total of 47 votes, including support from a nominated member in the 81-member House, the ruling alliance prevailed over the opposition NDA alliance, which received 29 votes.
The floor test became necessary as Champai Soren's government took office just months ahead of both the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. The 67-year-old leader took over from Hemant Soren, who resigned following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering land scam case on January 31.
Champai Soren, the JMM executive president, was present in the House during the floor test proceedings after receiving permission to attend.
Addressing the assembly, Soren accused Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan of involvement in his arrest, stating that it was the first time a Chief Minister was arrested in the country. He expressed concerns about the safety of tribals and Dalits under the current regime and vowed to return stronger, thwarting the opposition's conspiracy.
Soren is currently in five-day custody of the Enforcement Directorate, which is investigating the money laundering case against him. During the floor test debate, the Chief Minister accused the BJP of using central agencies to frame his predecessor, alleging that the BJP attempted to destabilise the democratically elected Jharkhand government.