Koda stresses on "closed door" parley with UPA leadersdhip

Ranchi, Aug 20 (UNI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda tonight dismissed reports about dissidence in the UPA and advocated for ''closed door'' meeting to iron out differences arising out of the JMM's withdrawal of support to his government three days back.

Mr Koda's reaction was sought with regard to the Congress' statement today that it would vote against him on August 25 during the trust motion.

He said, '' When I was made the Chief Minister 23 months ago, the decision had emerged after a series of parleys with the UPA leadership...likewise change of leadership in the state now should also materialise in the the same manner. '' Mr Koda refuted to buy media reports with comments from various sources and asserted that the UPA allies should sit in closed door to hammer out the crisis.

This morning RJD Legislature-wing leader Annapurna Devi and five Ministers (all Independents) went to the Chief Minister's official residence.

Asked to comment on the purpose of their visit, Mr Koda said the RJD Legislator came with some works.

'' As MLAs they often keep coming to me...and certainly we have discussed about the present political situation as well, '' he stated.

Mr Koda also said he did not receive any message from RJD president Lalu Prasad in this regard and exuded confidence that he would prove his majority in the House on August 25.

Congress state Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu this afternoon said the party Legislators would vote against the trust motion.

UNI PRS-AM SJC RN1948