Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently expressed his gratitude on social media X for a significant contribution from Jharkhand Counterpart Hemant Soren. The Assam CM revealed that Soren had generously donated ₹2 crore to Assam’s CM’s Relief Fund to support those affected by the recent floods.
In his post, Himanta Sarma acknowledged Soren’s generosity, “Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has graciously offered ₹2 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund of Assam to aid flood-affected people. On behalf of the people of Assam, I deeply appreciate the generosity of the kind-hearted people of Jharkhand and the Chief Minister.”
The recent floods in Assam have had devastating effects, with 113 reported deaths from floods, landslides, lightning, and storms. Over 1.30 lakh individuals across 10 districts remain impacted. Additionally, floods have resulted in the deaths of 215 animals, including 13 one-horned rhinos at Kaziranga National Park.
This post marks a rare moment of cross-party appreciation, as Himanta Biswa Sarma is a BJP leader and Hemant Soren is associated with the opposition INDIA bloc through his Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party. Himanta Sarma had previously criticised Soren amid corruption allegations, but the recent display of gratitude highlights a moment of political civility.
Soren’s political career has seen turbulence, including his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in January over alleged money laundering and a land scam. Following his release on bail in June, Soren resumed his role as Chief Minister of Jharkhand, a position he reclaimed after a successful floor test in July.
As Jharkhand approaches its elections later this year, Soren’s return strengthens the JMM’s position in the State, where the party won three seats in the recent Lok Sabha elections.