Cong may seek secular parties support to form govt in J'khand

With trends throwing up a hung Assembly in Jharkhand, Congress today said people expect its secular alliance to form a government in the state as they have elected them as the largest group.

With trends throwing up a hung Assembly in Jharkhand, Congress today said people expect its secular alliance to form a government in the state as they have elected them as the largest group.

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The party, which contested the polls in alliance with Babulal Marandi-led Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrkik), also dropped broad hints about taking the help of other "like minded parties" like JMM for forming a government there and described its chief Shibu Soren as " a family member".

"People have elected us as the single largest group. They expect us to form the government," AICC secretary in-charge for Jharkhand K Keshav Rao told reporters here.

Asked with whom Congress can form a government, he said "we will talk to every one. We know that the magic figure (to form the government) is not with us. For us taking support is necessary. We welcome support from any secular party..."

"Except BJP all other parties...we are not considering anyone as enemy", was Rao's response when asked which parties' support Congress could take.

He also said "formulae is not rigid, It is flexible" for forming the government there.

Asked to spell out the Congress strategy in case JMM chief Shibu Soren decides to support BJP, Rao said, "if Guruji (Soren) thinks that the policies of BJP and its communalism are correct, he is free to take a decision. But I know his views. He is like a family member."

On whether Congress will stake claim for the Chief Minister's post, he said, "the responsibility on us is to lead as we have emerged as the single largest alliance."