By Asma Torgal

JHARKHAND, a state known for its rich mineral resources, has had a tumultuous political history. In its 23 years of existence, the state has had 12 chief ministers, three instances of President’s Rule and a number of short-lived governments.

10-DAY CHIEF MINISTER
THE most recent development in Jharkhand’s political landscape is the appointment of Champai Soren as the 12th chief minister, following the resignation and arrest of former chief minister, Hemant Soren. Champai Soren has been given 10 days to prove his government’s majority, and his appointment comes at a time when the Supreme Court has declined to entertain Hemant Soren’s petition challenging his arrest on money laundering charges.
Jharkhand’s political instability can be traced back to its early years. The state was formed on November 15, 2000 and since then, it has seen nine governments led by five chief ministers and three instances of President’s Rule. The first chief minister, Babulal Marandi, stayed in power for about two years and three months, while the average stint of chief ministers in Jharkhand is around 1.5 years.

HISTORY OF CHIEF MINISTERS
THE state has had a history of short-lived governments, with some chief ministers lasting only a few months. Shibu Soren, the third chief minister from Jharkhand to have been arrested, had a 10-day stint as chief minister, while Hemant Soren, Madhu Koda, and Babulal Marandi averaged 15 months in duration between 2000 and 2014.
In its short history, Jharkhand has seen only one chief minister complete a full five-year term — BJP’s Raghubar Das, who served a full term as chief minister between 2014 and 2019. The political situation in Jharkhand became stable after 2014, when BJP’s Raghubar Das completed a full term as the chief minister.
Jharkhand’s political instability has also resulted in the imposition of President’s rule thrice, a total of 645 days. The state has seen six people assuming the CM’s role, with Shibu Soren and BJP’s Arjun Munda taking the oath as chief minister thrice each.

UNPREDICTABLE JHARKHAND
JHARKHAND’S political history has been marked by instability with numerous chief ministers, short-lived governments, and instances of President’s Rule. The state’s rich mineral resources have not been able to stabilize its political landscape, it remains to be seen how long the current government will last!