Munda government in crisis as 3 minister resign

Ranchi, Sep 4 (UNI) An acute crisis has gripped the BJP led NDA government amid speculations of resignation of three ministers -- Madhu Koda, Anos Ekka and Harinarayan Rai -- who were reported to have joined hands with the UPA for forming an alternative government in Jharkhand.

Mr Koda, Mr Ekka and Mr Rai are believed to be in contact with the UPA leaders to dislodge the Arjun Munda government in the state.

According to official sources senior Congress leader and political advisor of Sonia Gandhi, Ahmad Patel had a confidential meeting with the trio ministers. But, the main hurdle was who would be the Chief Minister on which consensus was yet to be arrived at.

The sources said the Congress and the RJD were in favour of Madhu Koda but the JMM did not agree. The name of Teklal Mahto, a JMM legislator, was also doing the rounds for the chief minister's post.

However, JMM supremo and central Coal Minister Shibu Soren remained silent on the entire episode whereas central Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahay were playing the key roles.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arjun Munda refused to accept the resignation of any of the ministers but has cancelled all his programmes and was busy trying to defuse the crisis. The BJP high command was also keeping an eye on the developments.

Sources close to Mr Munda said senior party leaders had advised Mr Munda not to accept the demands of the three ministers and rather sit in the opposition.

Meanwhile, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Democratic) president Babulal Marandi said mid-term poll were the only option and any alternative government in state had to face the similar situtation.

The break up in the 82 member Jharkhand assembly is of BJP-(30), JMM-(17), Congress-(9), JD(U)- (6), CPI(ML)-(1), UGDP-(2), Forward Block-(1), AJSU-(2), Jharkhand Party-(1), RCP-(1), Independent-(3) and (1) nominated. The BJP led NDA government had 42 MLAs and opposition had 39 MLAs.

However, the UPA leaders claimed to achieve the number required for the majority.

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