With closure of Marandi chapter BJP pulls up sock to save govt

Ranchi, May 19 (UNI) The Jharkhand BJP today pulled out all the stops to keep the NDA government intact in the wake of the resignation of party's national vice-president Babulal Marandi.

All efforts to pacify Mr Marandi failed this afternoon after he turned down the party's request to withdraw the resignation from party's preliminary membership, which he announced yesterday.

Anticipating such a development, the state party leaders pulled up socks to see that the resignation impact did not get reflected in the ruling NDA in Jharkhand.

The BJP is aware of the thin majority it enjoys in the assembly with ruling NDA comprising BJP-30, JD (U)-6, NCP-1, IND-2, JP-1 AJSU-2 and one nominated member taking the total to 43, while the opposition UPA comprises JMM-17, Cong-9, RJD-7, CPI (ML)-1, UDGP-2, FB-2 and IND-1 with a total of 39.

A slight erosion in the NDA might cast doom for the party's prospect in the state, a political observer said.

At Nemotand in Hazaribag, three Rajya Sabha members--former external minister Yashwant Sinha, Mr Devdas Apte and Mr Ajay Maru had an informal meeting. The meeting took place at Mr Sinha's residence.

After the meeting, Mr Marandi said he was he was determined on his resignation and there is no chance of retracting now .

'' I have gone too far from where return is impossible.'' To this Mr Sinha said he had not come here to give decisions, but would definitely place Mr Marandi's grievances before the party leadership.

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