Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Reacting to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) repeated summons to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, his sister, Anjali Soren, has accused the Central government of “harassing” her brother, emphasizing that the harassment is due to his tribal identity.
“On one side, the Central Government talks about the upliftment of tribals and made Droupadi Murmu as President, and on the other side, we are being harassed. The Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand is a tribal government. So, I would say that he is being harassed because he is tribal,” stated Soren’s sister during an interview with ANI on Sunday.
She went on to express her belief that the Central government fears losing tribal votes if the Hemant Soren government continues, leading them to attempt to discredit him. “The government fears that if the Hemant Soren government continues, they (BJP) won’t get tribal votes. So, they want to disrepute him somehow,” she added.
Responding to questions about the ED issuing seven summons to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, Anjali Soren expressed unawareness about the specifics but reiterated her stance that the Central government is harassing her brother.
“I just want to say the central government is harassing Hemant Soren,” she emphasized.
Addressing speculations about Hemant Soren’s wife, Kalpana Soren, potentially becoming the next CM if ED action is taken against him, Anjali Soren stated that if needed, she could assume the role. However, the final decision would be made during the legislative party meeting.
“If needed, she can become (the CM). Our party has other members too; it will be decided in the legislative party meeting. I can’t tell you with confirmation, but if needed, she will be,” she concluded.
The ED has issued multiple summons to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, asking him to record his statement. The recent summons states it is the last opportunity for him to record the statement, and he is expected to specify the place, date, and time within two days.
“Despite the issuance of six summonses, you (Hemant Soren) have not appeared before this office, citing unfounded reasons. This non-appearance is impeding and hindering the progress of the investigation in the present case,” mentioned the ED in the latest summons.
By ANI