Ranchi: Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been allowed by the court to participate in the floor test on February 5. The floor test was necessitated after Soren was disqualified as an MLA by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in an office-of-profit case.
Soren’s lawyers had filed a petition in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court seeking permission for him to attend the floor test. The court, after hearing the arguments, allowed Soren to participate in the floor test for one hour from 11 am on February 5.
The floor test will be a crucial test of strength for the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led alliance. The JMM has 30 MLAs in the 81-member assembly, while the BJP has 28 MLAs. The alliance also has the support of the Congress (18 MLAs), the RJD (1 MLA), and the NCP (1 MLA).
If Soren is able to win the floor test, he will be able to continue as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. However, if he loses the floor test, the BJP will be in a position to form the government in the state.
The floor test is scheduled to be held at 11 am on February 5 in the Jharkhand Assembly.