Amid ED summons, Hemant Soren challenges BJP: ‘Arrest me if I committed a crime’

Hemant Soren, the chief minister of Jharkhand, challenged the BJP-led central government to arrest him if he had committed a crime rather than simply questioning him for the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the money laundering case.

Soren said he had been summoned by the federal agency on a day when he had a programme to attend in Chhattisgarh. Stating that security has been raised outside the ED’s office, Soren asked if anybody was scared of the locals or ‘Jhakhandis’.

The leader, who is 47 years old, has been asked to appear before the investigation agency at its regional headquarters in Ranchi’s Hinoo neighbourhood.

“I’ve been summoned by the ED today when I already have a program in Chhattisgarh today. If I’ve committed a crime that big, come & arrest me. Why the questioning?… Security near ED office has increased. Why, are you scared of Jharkhandis?” the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) boss said at a gathering.

He further said the eastern state will only by ruled by Jharkhandis and not outsiders, adding the BJP will be wiped in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

“We have identified a few external gangs in the state who are not letting the state’s Adivasis stand on their feet. This state will have the rule of Jharkhandis and not external forces… BJP will be wiped off in the upcoming Lok Sabha & Assembly polls,” he added.