‘Ready to take up any new change that comes my way’

RANCHI: Kalpana Soren, wife of former chief minister and JMM’s working president Hemant Soren, has become a face of the party ever since her husband was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on January 31 this year.

She has made her presence felt nationally at INDIA bloc rallies, besides having entered electoral fray as JMM candidate in Gandey assembly bypoll. In an interview with Vishal Kant, Kalpana spoke about her new role, allegations against Hemant Soren, possibility of her replacing Champai Soren as chief minister. Excerpts.

It’s been over two months now since you formally entered politics. How has the journey been so far?

I would say my life changed on January 31 this year (when ED arrested Hemant Soren). So many things happened so suddenly. None of us were prepared. But after crossing several ups and downs, we are now in election mode. We are well prepared and are working hard for INDIA alliance candidates on each of 14 the Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand.

During this period, there have been problems in the Soren family as well. Your elder sister-in-law quit the party and joined BJP? Did you get any chance to talk and convince her?

We came to know about it through media. We were shocked. I was already shattered by the developments related to Hemant ji. And then this. It took a little bit of time (to sink in). We spoke to senior leaders of the party. All of them assured we are in a comfortable position. It was her personal decision. We respect her. I admire her. And as the younger sister-in-law, I just convey my best wishes to her.

How do you see the election in Dumka where Sita Soren is contesting on BJP ticket?

Best wishes to her. We are representing JMM, so we are focused on our work. She will do hers. Outside the family, she is just a contender.

When was this decision taken that you would now enter politics formally? Was it planned a while back because the speculations around the impending ED action against Hemant Soren were rife for a long time.

No, it’s not like that. I was taking care of the backside developments such as paperwork, sitting with lawyers and Hemant ji. Once Hemant was behind bars, even my in-laws and my own parents were not in a good shape. My younger brother-inlaw got new responsibility in the new cabinet. I thought it was also my duty to stand up for my family, party and workers. Most of party workers told me they were missing Hemant ji and I should come forward. Then, on my birthday on March 3, the responsibility was shifted to me. I accepted it and made my first appearance on the party’s foundation day on March 4 after taking the blessings of my in-laws, Hemant ji and my loved ones.

What do you think is responsible for Hemant Soren’s arrest. Do you blame anyone?

The case against Hemant does not hold. The land in question is a Bhuihari land which cannot be sold or purchased. If someone has made any allegation, they should have checked before making arrest about documentary proof. They should have checked whether this is his property or not. Not a single paper is there in the name of Hemant Soren. Why didn’t they hear the side of landowners who are saying that the land belongs to them. In fact, the original landowner has been made an accused in this case.

We have seen several incidents of lots of money being seized in action against bureaucrats. How do you see such incidents of corruption because you people are in power?

Action has already been taken by the state government in such specific incidents. But it’s equally true that corruption is not limited to Jharkhand. Its across India and abroad. Moreover, corruption has different forms. Our state government is demanding the Centre to disburse the outstanding payment of Rs 1.36 lakh crore which is royalty money. Not giving that is also corruption. Not granting Sarna Adivasi Religious Code is also corruption. Not passing the Bill increasing OBC reservation to 27 per cent is also corruption. I am against corruption. But we don’t want external ideologies and policies which hamper the interest of Jharkhand.

So are you saying the Centre is imposing its policies on the state?

I am not saying we don’t need their policies, but all states have their unique character and need, be it Jharkhand, Odisha or Punjab. They have cut down on eight lakh PM Awas housing units of Jharkhand and allotted it to the states where what they call as double-engine governments. They have cancelled 12 lakh ration cards. They are taking all resources but what they are returning to us is zero. People of Jharkhand feel cheated. For that reason, Hemant raised his voice. As chief minister, he came up with Abua Awas Yojna, Universal Pension Yojna and green ration cards from the state’s own funds. If the Centre is parent, Jharkhand is their son. And they have given this son a step-motherly treatment.

Can we say we are talking to the new chief minister of the state. Will you take over after the victory in the Gandey assembly bypoll?

No. Right now I am a new soldier of the JMM.

But if your party workers insist, are you ready to shoulder responsibility?

That time will decide.

But even that can happen suddenly.

I feel I am ready to take up any new change that comes my way.

You have now become the face of the party though there are other senior leaders. Will this new role create problems in the party?

The very first time when I met Rahul (Gandhi) ji here when he came to Ranchi, the day Hemant Soren was taken to Vidhan Sabha in ED custody, I shared a lot of things with him. Then I received a call from Rahul sir inviting me for the concluding rally of his yatra in Mumbai. He also requested me to speak something on the occasion. I agreed. That was the first time I realised that I am getting a big platform where I can raise voice for Hemant ji, who has fought like a warrior.

Is JMM missing the presence of its star campaigners Shibu Soren and Hemant Soren?

Obviously, we are missing them. Can’t express that in words. Because their mere presence makes a difference. I saw that at Ulgulan rally mere presence of Baba (Shibu Soren) energised the audience. The other day, Hemant ji came out for a day to attend a family function. He has a new appearance. Like father, like son. Guruji was already in the heart of people. Hemant has now also taken a place in heart of our supporters.

There are issues related to tribals in other states as well? Will you also lend your voice to them?

Currently I am focusing on Jharkhand. I am still new to this. But when such an occasion comes, we will look into that. As of now, we are focusing on return of Hemant ji, who has already become a national leader.

So you will be confined to Jharkhand?

I didn’t mean that. I said Hemant ji is the executive president. It is up to him whatever he decides.

But you continue to remain in active politics even after he returns?

Yes, definitely.

You are contesting Gandey assembly bypoll? Is that the reason that you are not being able to give time in Lok Sabha campaign? Or is there any other reason?

I am trying to do best time management because several things are happening, including public meetings, party meetings, nominations of candidates. I am trying to give maximum appearance for the Lok Sabha candidates. Campaign in Gandey will also be over on May 18. I will be able to give more time after that.

Will Ram Temple have a bearing among tribals, especially the Sarnas?

I don’t think so. Because we all know we have a distinct identity, and that is why we are demanding separate Sarna religious code.