Political Update: Champai Soren to Join BJP; Parliamentary Panel to Meet on Waqf Bill

Champai Soren Joins BJP: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and senior Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Champai Soren is set to join the BJP on Friday. Prior to his switch, Soren resigned from the JMM, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s current policies and functioning. He also stepped down as an MLA and a Jharkhand Cabinet minister. In his resignation letter, Soren expressed his disillusionment with the party’s deviation from its principles, despite his longstanding commitment to its cause.

Soren’s resignation follows his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, where he announced his decision to join the BJP. He arrived in Ranchi with his son to a warm reception from supporters. Soren stated that his decision is motivated by his desire to further Jharkhand’s interests and his readiness to face challenges.

Parliamentary Panel’s Second Meeting on Waqf Bill: The Joint Committee of Parliament on the Waqf Amendment Bill will hold its second meeting on Friday. This follows the panel’s initial session last week, which saw significant discussion and objections from Opposition MPs over the bill’s provisions. Key concerns included the empowerment of district collectors in property disputes and the inclusion of non-Muslim members on Waqf boards.

The panel, chaired by BJP MP Jagadamika Pal, will review the feedback from state Waqf bodies and other stakeholders. During the first meeting, BJP members supported the proposed amendments, including measures to empower women, while Opposition members raised concerns about the bill’s implications. The meeting was described as “fruitful” and one of the longest parliamentary sessions in recent times.

Protests in Bengal Over Kolkata Doctor Case: Protests continue across West Bengal following the alleged rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. Student unions plan to protest at college gates statewide, demanding capital punishment for the perpetrators. Meanwhile, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar announced that the party’s women’s wing will demonstrate at the state women’s commission office. The case has intensified a political clash between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP, with both sides accusing each other of failing to address the issue effectively.

PM Modi’s Visit to Maharashtra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maharashtra on Friday to address the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2024 in Mumbai and lay the foundation stone for the Vadhvan Port project in Palghar, valued at around Rs 76,000 crore. The Vadhvan Port is set to be one of India’s largest deep-water ports, aimed at enhancing trade and economic growth by accommodating large container vessels and reducing transit times. Additionally, Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation for 218 fisheries projects worth approximately Rs 1,560 crore to improve the sector’s infrastructure and productivity.