JMM seeks time to form government

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Saturday sought more time for the formation of an alternative government in the state.

JMM chief Shibu Soren, his son Hemant Soren and other leaders met Governor Syed Ahmad at 11.30 a.m.

"We had requested the governor to give us some more time for formation of the government in the state," said Hemant Soren while talking to reporters here.

Hemant Soren returned here Friday night after meeting Congress leaders in Delhi. He said that the Congress would decide about the formation of an alternative government.

The 28-month BJP-led Arjun Munda government fell after JMM withdrew support Jan 8. The Munda cabinet had recommended dissolution of the state assembly.

The state Congress unit has yet to get concrete assurance from the Congress high command, say party sources.

Jharkhand Congress legislators and leaders are in favour of the formation of the alternative government.

JMM has been exploring the possibility of forming a government in the state with Congress backing.

Jharkhand Congress legislators, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and some independents could support an alternative government led by the JMM.

If such an aggreement were to be arrived at, the Congress, RJD and independents, along with the JMM could attempt a coalition comprising 41 legislators.
Of the 82 legislators in the state, 37 are in favour of fresh polls.

The 37 include 18 of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), six of All Jharkhand Students' Union (AJSU), two of Janata Dal-United (JD-U) and 11 of the Jharkhand Vikas Morch-P (JVM-P).

Soren, who returned home from Delhi yesterday after talking to Congress leaders, also informed Ahmed that as JMM was not in favour of President’s rule, the party was holding talks with other willing parties.

The JMM had on January 8 withdrawn support to the 28-month BJP-led government.
The same day the erstwhile Munda cabinet recommended to the governor to dissolve the House favouring fresh mandate and Munda appending his resignation from the chief minister’s post.

In the 82-member state assembly, BJP and JMM have 18 members each. The Munda government had the support of six members of Ajsu Party, two of JD (U), two independents and one nominated member who has voting right in a trial of strength.

Opposition Congress has a total of 13 members, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha(P) 11 and RJD 5. CPI-ML(L), Marxist Coordination Party, Jharkhand Party (Ekka), Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch and Jai Bharat Samta Party have one member each besides an independent.