Munda confident of completing term, BJP eyes Koderma only

Ranchi, Aug 5 (UNI) Despite the ongoing squabbles among the allies in the ruling NDA in Jharkhand, the BJP today brushed aside all apprehension of its survival saying the party was now more focused on making it in the coming by-election to Koderma parliamentary seat to prove its supremacy in the state.

Taking the battle straight to Jharkhand Vikash Morcha president Babulal Marandi's hometown, the BJP's two-day state working committee began at Giridih district.

Top BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Arjun Munda, state president Yadunath Pandey, former Gujarat governor Kailashpati Mishra among the few, asked party workers to keep in mind that the constituency had been its citadel for a long time and in the next poll also there should not be any setback.

The BJP was more cautious since the by-poll, the date of which was yet to be fixed, was necessitated following Mr Marandi's resignation from the Lok Sabha. He also resigned from the BJP's primary membership two months ago.

At today's meeting were present national vice-president, in-charge of Jharkhand Sumitra Mahajan, state finance minister Raghubar Das, agriculture minister Satyanand Bhukta, MLAs, senior leaders like Ranjan Patel and Hridaynath Singh.

Later the chief minister told reporters at Giridish airport that he was not worried about the tenure of his government and expressed hope that the reported dissatisfaction of some his ministerial colleagues could be sorted out through dialogue.

Referring to the finance minister's allegation against the JVM president, he said the matter had not yet come to his table and after perusal only investigation would be carried out.

Mr Kailashpati Mishra also exuded confidence that the NDA would complete its term in office.

On the Koderma poll, he said the BJP had not decided on candidate adding all strategies would be discussed during the two-day meeting.

The state party president said traditionally Koderma had been loyal to them and claimed that a pro-BJP wave could be noticed this time too.

Attacking the regionl parties, Mr Pandey said for such parties the country was getting disintegrated.

He did not spare missionaries and accused them of making plots to change the country through conversion.

Significantly, state HRD minister Pradeep Yadav, MLA Saryu Rai were absent at the meeting citing personal reasons. Both of them were known as loyal to the JVM president.

In the last general elections, out of total 14 parliamentary seats in the state, the BJP bagged only Koderma which was represented by Mr Marandi, now a party deserter.

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