Cong, JVM-P Consider Forming Govt without JMM even as Soren Elected LP Leader

Being against the idea of Shibu Soren becoming the chief minister, the Congress and its ally JVM-P is considering the possibility of forming government without the support of JMM even as it elects ‘Guruji’ as leader of its legislative party.

Talking to reporters in Ranchi, JVM-P President Babulal Marandi described Soren’s demand as unacceptable, saying that there could a government without the JMM.

In the 81-member state assembly, the Congress and the JVM-P have bagged 25 seats while the JMM 18. If the JMM, Congress and the JVM-P come together, they will cross the 41 seat mark needed to form the government.

“In the given scenario, it is difficult to form the government as the JMM sticks to its demand of the chief minister’s post. We have not given up hope of government formation but at the same time, it is not an easy task. We are exploring the possibilities of a government without JMM,” a Congress leader was quoted as saying by IANS.

The Congress could seek support from RJD and AJSU, both having five seats each, and also independents to form the government.

In the meantime, JMM Soren, who is a Lok Sabha MP, as the leader of the legislative party.

“Shibu Soren has been unanimously elected as legislative party leader,” said Hemlal Murmu, a JMM legislator.

“Shibu Soren has been authorized to take the decision regarding the formation of the government,” he said.

By naming Soren the leader of the legislative party, the JMM has made it clear that they would not settle for anything less than the chief minister’s post for their party chief.