What happened
The arc of the last 18 months: Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in January 2024, resigned as Chief Minister, went to jail, got bail, stood for re-election, won, became CM again in November 2024, and now faces a PMLA court that has found the ED's evidence against him credible enough to proceed to trial. The case involves alleged fraudulent acquisition of an 8.86-acre land parcel in Ranchi's Badgai area. Judge Yogesh Kumar noted 'grave suspicion against accused' and 'sufficient material on record to establish a prima facie case.' Soren's legal team had argued for full discharge. The court's response was to schedule formal charge framing. Jharkhand's cabinet has continued to meet, sign welfare schemes, and hold MoU ceremonies throughout — a governance model that is, by all measurable indicators, functioning.