Ranchi, July 4 (Agency) Within a week of getting bail in an alleged corruption case, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren on Thursday took oath as Chief Minister of the state for the third time. Governor CP Radhakrishnan administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy to Soren at Raj Bhawan, the official said, adding that other Cabinet members are likely to be sworn-in on Sunday. On Wednesday, Soren, along with leaders of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and allies Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal, met the Governor and staked claim to form government. With the latest swearing-in, Soren will occupy the CM’s post for the third time, an official said.
He will equal the record of JMM leader Shibu Soren and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Arjun Munda who have served as CM thrice. In Jharkhand, the alliance of JMM, Congress and RJD has been ruling since December of 2019. Soren’s return as CM was expected after he got bail in a property scam case on June 28. Soren had stepped down as CM on January 31, handing over the chair to party colleague Champai Soren after his arrest in the case. Champai Soren tendered his resignation to the governor on Wednesday, paving the way for Soren’s return to CM office.