CM Hemant Soren will appear at the ED office in Ranchi today in the money laundering case related to Jharkhand's famous illegal mining case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had summoned him to appear on November 17. ED can interrogate him and record his statement. 

The political stir has intensified in Ranchi regarding ED's questioning of Soren and future action. Speculations are being made that if any adverse situation arises then who will be his political successor i.e. the new CM? 

Chief Minister Soren will probably reach the ED office in Ranchi at around 11.30 am this morning. CM Soren may interact with the media at his residence before appearing for questioning before ED officials. It is being speculated that he can make a big announcement in this.  A meeting of ruling JMM MLAs was held in Ranchi yesterday to discuss the names of wife Kalpana Soren and father Shibu Soren.

Since then the market of political speculation is hot. It is being said that if the ED takes any preventive action against the CM after questioning or takes any step like taking him into custody, then his political successor can be handed over the reins of the government immediately.

The names of his wife Kalpana Soren and father Shibu Soren are doing the rounds as successors. CM's wife Kalpana Soren is actively seen with the Chief Minister these days. She was also on stage at Jharkhand's Foundation Day program on Tuesday. 

During the fodder scam in Bihar, when the CBI called the then CM Lalu Prasad Yadav for questioning, he handed over the power to his wife Rabri Devi. There is a possibility of repeating this experiment in Jharkhand as well.  On the other hand, Alamgir Alam, leader of the Congress Legislature Party, which is part of the ruling coalition in Jharkhand, says that we are ready to deal with every situation. At the same time, State Congress President Rajesh Thakur directed all the MLAs of the party to stay in Ranchi. 

Experts of ED's action say that at present CM Soren may be questioned for a long time. 

After this, they can be called again for further questioning. As recently in the National Herald case, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was summoned several times. 

The Enforcement Directorate will interrogate Soren on the basis of evidence found against him. Preventive steps can be taken against them if links of misappropriation of money are added to it and other evidence is found. 

Before arresting the CM, the ED will also have to obtain an arrest warrant from the court and the permission of the governor.