Munda govt in Jharkhand plunges into crisis

Ranchi, Sept 5: The BJP-led NDA government in Jharkhand today plunged into further crisis with Water Resources, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Kamlesh Singh today announcing to resign following his alleged detention by police in Jamshedpur on his way to Kolkata.

''I am sending the resignation letter to the Governor and Chief Minister Arjun Munda later in the day,'' the lone NCP legislator in the ruling coalition said.

With this development, the resignations of three dissident ministers--Mr Madhu Koda, Mr Anos Ekka and Mr Harinarain Rai, now camping in New Delhi--are also expected to reach Governor Syed Sibtey Razi any time.

Justifying his decision to resign, Mr Singh said the chief minister lacked confidence in his ministerial colleagues as his vehicle was intercepted by the police while he was heading to Kolkata to catch a flight to Delhi last night to discuss the political situation in the state with the dissident trio.

Expressing unhappiness over the manner he was detained in Jamshedpur, he said, ''it is unacceptable to continue in the cabinet.'' The minister said policemen surrounded his car and seized the keys from the driver adding they claimed to have accomplished the search as per the chief minister's instruction.

He said, ''even a sub-inspector creates hurdle in the way of a minister and maligns the prestige of a minister.'' Last year Mr Singh won the election from Hussainabad of Palamu and supported the erstwhile UPA government, led by Mr Sibu Soren, in the state and became a minister.

After the Soren government fell, he shifted loyalty to the BJP led NDA government.

With the ongoing political turmoil plaguing the Munda government, he was again was seen on the side of UPA.

The NCP is a coalition partner of the UPA goverment at the Centre.

The dissident trio was now seen in close association with the UPA leadership in a plot to form an alternative government in Jharkhand.

The 18-month old NDA government enjoys wafer thin majority and it might fall in the event of the three ministers--all Independents-- withdrawing support.

The 42-member NDA comprises BJP (30), JD-U (6), Independents (5) and NCP (1) in the 82-member assembly. The Opposition consists of JMM-17, Congress-9, RJD-7, CPI(ML)-1, UGDP-2 and Forward Bloc-2. One legislator is a nominated member supporting the government.

Meanwhile, adding fuel to fire, Jharkhand Vikash Morcha president Babulal Marandi held a press conference here this afternoon demanding President's Rule in the state.

UNI

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