Kalpana Soren: Wife of Jailed Ex-CM Wins Bypolls

Kalpana Soren, wife of the incarcerated former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, secured a significant victory in the Gandey by-elections, defeating BJP candidate Dilip Kumar Verma by a margin of 27,159 votes. Representing the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM. Kalpana, who stepped into the political limelight due to her husband’s legal troubles, has quickly become a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape.

Kalpana Soren brings a blend of academic and grassroots credentials, holding an M.Tech and an MBA. Before her political career, she was a homemaker. Her husband’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate over a money laundering case linked to an alleged land scam propelled her into active politics. Her impassioned speeches against the BJP have resonated with many, establishing her as a significant voice within the JMM.

The Gandey assembly seat became vacant following the resignation of JMM MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad, leading to the bypoll scheduled for May 20. This election, occurring concurrently with parliamentary elections in the state, holds considerable significance. Kalpana’s involvement in politics was driven by her desire to continue her husband’s work and address the needs of the constituents.

Kalpana Murmu Soren hails from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district and married Hemant Soren in February 2006. They have two children, Nikhil and Ansh. Her background includes engineering and an MBA, and she is involved in running a school, owning commercial properties, and engaging in organic farming. She is also dedicated to children’s and women’s empowerment.

Hemant Soren’s arrest was linked to an land scam. Despite denying the allegations and claiming a conspiracy, he resigned from his post and was subsequently arrested. Kalpana continues to support him, maintaining that their fight for justice and Jharkhand’s integrity will prevail.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She the people.