The young state of Jharkhand has proved to be quite a political minefield. A reliable marker of its tremor-filled political terrain is the number of chief ministers it has had — 12 — in its existence of 24 years. Champai Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha taking up the reins — his government won the trust vote on Monday — would have been consistent with Jharkhand’s topsy-turvy political record but for the unprecedented circumstances that led to his anointment. His predecessor, Hemant Soren, resigned as chief minister after he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on charges of money-laundering in a land deal. The Jharkhand High Court, which is hearing the case, has sought a response from the investigating agency. Hemant Soren has denied the allegations and alleged the involvement of not just the Bharatiya Janata Party but also the governor for hatching a plot to remove him from power. His resignation and arrest were followed by the now familiar whispers of the BJP trying to poach members from its opponents. But the result of Monday’s floor test confirms that Operation Lotus — the term for the BJP’s mischievous strategy of winning power by engineering defections in rival camps — has been stalled for now in Jharkhand.

The impact of the goings-on in Jharkhand would not be limited to that particular state. They have wider ramifications. Hemant Soren’s recent remarks and, in particular, his choice of Champai Soren as his successor indicate his willingness to take the battle to the BJP. Aggrieved Adivasi sentiments would undoubtedly be harnessed in this campaign since the JMM’s core support base stems from scheduled tribes who are an influential bloc that decides Jharkhand’s political trajectory. The BJP’s move to counter this mobilisation would be crucial in deciding which way the political wind blows in the general elections. Hemant Soren’s decision to court arrest instead of wilting to coercion could also have an additional implication: it could galvanise the Opposition that has been beleaguered by desertions of political leaders who claim to have a heftier clout. In fact, Hemant Soren’s credibility as a feisty leader unafraid to stand up to challenges on his way could also create for him some elbow room for manoeuvring within the alliance. How his competitive allies respond to the sheen in his image would be interesting to watch.