As BJP weighs its options, Champai Soren leaves Delhi

New Delhi: Former Jharkhand CM and JMM leader Champai Soren on Tuesday left Delhi for Ranchi. Soren was in the national capital since Sunday and a decision regarding his political future was expected. At present, Champai Soren is in no man's land.

On Tuesday, Soren, before leaving, denied rumours of him being in touch with the BJP or even joining the BJP. "I had said earlier that I have come here for personal work and there was no meeting scheduled with BJP leaders. I have never tried to break MLAs from my party and I have great respect for our leader Shibu Soren," Champai said.

Sources told ET that BJP is still weighing options and a final decision on Champai will take some time. Though Soren denied it, as per sources, a meeting took place with a BJP leader on Monday night. The BJP's central leadership is still discussing the prospects of Champai joining the party and its electoral impact in the state. In the coming days, the party may invite some of the state leaders to Delhi and discuss it. The JMM, which was waiting for Champai's next step, has now moved into damage-control mode. Party leaders feel that with the open letter by Champai where he criticises the party leadership, the latter has made it clear that he is not going to be with the party.