Field wide open in Jharkhand

The NDA on Sunday made a strong bid for power. It called upon Governor Syed Sibtey Razi to invite its coalition to form the next government in Jharkhand.

The NDA on Sunday made a strong bid for power. It called upon Governor Syed Sibtey Razi to invite its coalition to form the next government in Jharkhand.

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Likewise, JMM Chief Sibu Soren, accompanied by RJD chief Lalu Prasad, would on Monday meet Jharkhand Governor and stake claim to form an alternative government with support of 44 legislators.

Former Chief Minister Madhu Koda, who resigned on Saturday, however, dismissed the possibility that six Independents would “ever side with Soren”.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Yashwant Sinha gave a new twist to the tale on Sunday by favouring early elections. The BJP also wanted the Speaker to take a stand on the 10 MLAs who had invited disqualification, as also two of its own. With most of them in the UPA camp, the BJP is hopeful that the disqualification would put the NDA in the majority.

“There is political legitimacy to our stand,” Yashwant told mediapersons, adding: “With 33 members, the pre-election alliance of the NDA always had more strength than the pre-election UPA alliance.”

The BJP has 29 legislators, while the JD(U) has four. The NDA, however, would have to depend on the Independents to form the government.

Meanwhile, the JMM, with 17 legislators, is hopeful of forming the next government. Party MP Hemlal Murmu said: “We are positive. All the Independent MLAs whom Guruji met were open to the idea and also made it clear that they had not rejected the options. There are a few issues to be dealt with, and these will be. I am confident that if the UPA were invited, it will successfully form the government.”

Meanwhile, Koda told HT: “There is no way that any of the proposals from the JMM will be acceptable.” Six of the MLAs whom Soren had talked to were present with Koda at former Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi’s residence when he said this.