'INDIA Bloc In Jharkhand Is Rock-Solid': Congress Dismisses Rumours Of Hemant Soren-BJP Tie-Up

Last Updated:December 03, 2025, 20:27 IST

The assertion comes at a time when speculation has intensified following reports that Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren have been engaged in talks with the BJP.

Venugopal said he had spoken to Soren.

Amid speculations of power shift in Jharkhand following reports of Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s talks with BJP leaders, Congress leader KC Venugopal on Wednesday refuted such claims and said that he had spoken to Soren and asserted that the INDIA bloc remains united and unwavering.

“Spoke to Jharkhand CM Shri @HemantSorenJMM ji today. Let there be no doubts—our INDIA alliance in Jharkhand is rock-solid, cohesive, and fully committed to advancing people-centric welfare policies that reflect the aspirations of every citizen of Jharkhand," he said in a post on X.

Refuting the power shift speculations as deliberate misinformation campaign, Venugopal accused “right-wing troll networks" of spreading “malicious narrative and coordinated rumour-mongering" driven by “growing desperation and political insecurity."

“The malicious narrative and coordinated rumour mongering being propagated by right-wing troll networks are but signs of their growing desperation and political insecurity. We are not affected by such cheap trolling and they can never dilute the trust that the people have placed in us," he added.

The Congress MP affirmed that the INDIA bloc is not affected by such cheap trolling by the right-wing and they can never dilute the trust that the people have placed in the bloc.

“We are not affected by such cheap trolling and they can never dilute the trust that the people have placed in us. Our unity is intact, our purpose is clear, and our alliance remains stronger than ever," he added.

Power Shift Buzz

The Congress leader’s remarks came at a time when speculation has intensified following reports that Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren have been engaged in talks with BJP leaders.

According to News18 Bihar-Jharkhand, the couple has been in Delhi for several days and recently met a top BJP leader. Additionally, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday, further fueling speculation.

Their meetings in the national capital have triggered renewed buzz that the state could witness a political realignment or a possible power shift.

Of the total 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand, 41 are required for a majority. In the existing alliance, JMM has 34 seats, Congress has 16 MLAs, Rashtriya Janata Dal 4 and Left 2, which brings the total to 56.

Some reports suggest that at least eight of the 16 Congress MLAs are in talks to join a new configuration led by Soren with outside support from the BJP. To avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law, at least 11 Congress lawmakers would have to split.

According to reports, the JMM is keen on a better relationship with the Centre for development of Jharkhand. Soren is also camp worried about the pending Enforcement Directorate cases linked to alleged corruption. Under the new Bill introduced in Parliament in August which is currently before a Joint Parliamentary Committee, a Chief Minister or Prime Minister must step down on the 31st day of being arrested, or automatically lose the post. This has added to the urgency, according to reports.

News politics 'INDIA Bloc In Jharkhand Is Rock-Solid': Congress Dismisses Rumours Of Hemant Soren-BJP Tie-Up

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