Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren was sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand on November 28, 2024, marking his fourth term in office. The ceremony took place at Morabadi Ground in Ranchi, where Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administered the oath of office at 4 PM. This event is historic as it represents the first time an incumbent government has returned to power after completing a full five-year term in Jharkhand’s history.

Soren’s recent electoral victory was significant; he secured his Barhait seat by defeating BJP candidate Gamliyel Hembrom with a margin of 39,791 votes. Under his leadership, the JMM-led coalition achieved a remarkable win, capturing 56 out of 81 seats in the Assembly elections, while the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) managed only 24 seats. This victory is seen as a strong endorsement of Soren’s governance and policies.

In his address prior to the swearing-in, Soren expressed gratitude to the people of Jharkhand for their trust and emphasized that this victory reflects their aspirations for a peaceful and progressive state. He stated, “Today is not about political victory; it is about reiterating our struggle for social justice and unity.” Soren also highlighted the importance of collective strength against challenges to democracy, asserting that “our unity is our biggest weapon.”

The ceremony attracted numerous dignitaries from across India, particularly from the opposition INDIA bloc. Notable attendees included Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and NCP Chief Sharad Pawar. The presence of such prominent leaders underscores the significance of this political moment in Jharkhand.

As part of preparations for the event, security was heightened across Ranchi, and schools were closed to accommodate the expected influx of attendees. Following the oath-taking, Soren plans to finalize his cabinet after securing a vote of confidence in the Assembly.