BJP, Cong Ask for Time for Installation of Govt in Jharkhand

A day after chief minister Shibu Soren resigned and Governor MOH Farooq subsequently asked for their opinion on the prospects of government formation, the BJP has sought a day’s time for its views while Congress has simply said that it doesn’t have numbers, said media reports.

Soren stepped down last night after failing to garner support of Congress and its ally JVM (P).

BJP state president Raghuvar Das called on governor twice in the morning over prospects of government formation and told media persons that he asked for time till Tuesday, reports said.

He said that he would hold consultation with leaders and legislatures and put the governor’s proposal before them, said reports.

“The governor will be informed about whatever decision is taken,” Das was quoted as saying.

Responding to a query that most MLAs favoured exploring possibilities to form government, he said, “The state leadership has no such information. All MLAs and leaders are united and will follow the directive of the central leadership.”

In the meantime, Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Rajendra Prasad Singh told reporters after meeting the governor that his party did not have the required number in the 82-member House to form an alternative government, reports said.

“As of now we don’t have numbers. Can we stake claim with only 14 MLAs? We told the governor that we will come to him only when we will have sufficient numbers,” he was quoted as saying.

He said that Congress didn’t want President’s rule or mid-term elections in Jharkhand and would discuss with its allies before taking any decision, said reports.

Answering a question if the party wants to speak to the JMM, Singh said, “We are talking to different parties.”

(Based on internet reports)