Prez rule looms large over Jharkhand, no party stakes claim

President’s rule loomed large over Jharkhand as no party has staked claim to form government so far after JMM withdrew support to the BJP-led government reducing it to a minority.

Ranchi: President’s rule loomed large over Jharkhand as no party has staked claim to form government so far after Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) withdrew support to the BJP-led government reducing it to a minority.

"The Governor separately met the leaders of JMM, Congress and RJD on Saturday but did not get any firm assurance from them about formation of government in the near future. A second status report is likely to be sent soon to the Centre," sources told PTI here on Saturday. The Governor had sent the first status report on January 8. Meeting the Governor for the first time today after handing him over the letter of withdrawal of support to the Arjun Munda-led government, JMM’s Legislature Party leader Hemant Soren urged the Governor to allow JMM some more time in his quest for forming a new government. "Only 38 MLAs are in favour of dissolution of the House while others favour formation of an alternative government. So, allow us some more time as we are holding talks on formation of government with like-minded other parties," sources in the Raj Bhavan said quoting Soren as having told the Governor. A delegation of Congress leaders also met the Governor during the day and said discussions were on to form a government but a final decision would be taken by its central leadership, the sources said. The RJD Legislature Party delegation told the Governor that time should be allowed to explore the possibility of formation of a government, the sources said. The Legislature Party leader of AJSU Sudesh Mahto, met the Governor and favoured dissolution of the assembly to pave the way for a new mandate. Soon after JMM withdrew support to the 28-month Arjun Munda government on January 8, the latter recommended dissolution of the House and submitted his resignation. PTI