JMM Prepares to Stake Claim; BJP, AJSU Yet to Formally Announce Support
JMM is preparing to stake claim for formation of government in Jharkhand though it has not yet formally received a letter of support from the BJP and AJSU, said reports.
Reports said that the BJP is holding a meeting of its elected representatives to elect leader of its legislative party, after which, it is expected to pass a resolution backing JMM to form the government headed by Shibu Soren.
Former BJP president Rajnath Singh and BJP national general secretary Anant Kumar arrived in Ranchi Friday night. Anant Kumar, as observer of the party, will attend the legislators’ meeting, while Rajnath Singh, as authorized by the party, will monitor the formation of the government in the state.
It may be mentioned that the JMM had announced on Friday that it would form the next government with the BJP, which, however, had said that a decision in the regard would be taken only after holding consultation with the party central leadership.
Though no formal announcement about coalition has been made as yet, reports said quoting JMM sources that the formula for the next government has been finalized, according to which there will be two deputy chief ministers – one each from the BJP and AJSU.
Raghubar Das of the BJP and Sudesh Mahto of AJSU would be made deputy chief ministers, reports said.
As far as cabinet berth are concerned JMM and BJP could get four, AJSU two and Janta Dal-United (JD-U) may get one berth. Jharkhand can have a maximum 12 ministers, including the chief minister. The reports said that the assembly speaker’ post would go to the BJP.
The Congress, on the other hand, made a last ditch effort to woo the JMM. Union Food Processing Minister and Congress MP Subodh Kant Sahay met Soren Friday night to dissuade him from joining hands with BJP. Congress leaders also reportedly met AJSU president Sudesh Mahto.
