Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which withdrew support to the Arjun Munda Government, has urged the Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmed to allow the party “some more time” in its quest for Government formation in the State with like-minded parties.
Calling on the Governor for the first time after submitting his party’s withdrawal letter, JMM leader Hemant Soren informed Ahmed that he was in dialogue with ‘like-minded’ parties who were interested in forming the Government, according to Raj Bhavan sources here.
“Only 38 MLAs (in the 82-member House) are in favour of dissolution of the House while others favour formation of the Government. So allow us some more time as we are holding talks on formation of the Government with other parties,” the sources said quoting Soren as having told the Governor.
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The JMM had on January 8 withdrawn support to the 28-month BJP-led Government.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.
The 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.