Cong may support Madhu Kora as CM

New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) With uncertainty continuing to prevail over the fate of the Arjun Munda Government in Jharkhand following desertion of four of its Ministers, the Congress today appeared to be adopting a wait and watch policy.

Anxious not to repeat the misadventure when a Congress-supported state Government led by JMM leader Shibu Soren could not prove his majority in the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha and had to bow out nearly two years ago,the Congress was treading cautiously this time.

Governor Syed Sibtey Razi has asked Mr Munda to prove his majority in the Assembly by September 14.

Reluctant to form a government in Jharkhand,the Congress is believed to have veered round to the view that it should extend outside support to a government to be formed by one of the three Indpendents, who quit the Munda Government.

According to party sources,Congress might support a government led by Madhu Kora,who may be acceptable to the other UPA partners also, and may extend outside support.

The party, which was opposed to Mr Soren forming a Government this time, has reportedly told the JMM leader to back Mr Kora as the Chief Minister,to which he has agreed and has reportedly told reporters that he has given a letter of support to Mr Madhu Kora being the Chief Minister.

The three Independents, who quit the Munda Government, came to Delhi yesterday and have sought interview with Congress President Sonia Gandhi, but have not succeeded in meeting her so far, according to sources.

The Munda Government was reduced to a minority after four of its Ministers, Madhu Kora,Enos Ekka and Harinarain Rai(all Independents) and Kamlesh Singh( RCP)withdrew support to the NDA Government,led by Mr Munda.

According to Congress Spokesman Abhishek Singhvi,the party is watching the evolving political situation in Jharkhand and will take an appropriate decision at an appropirate time. The situation is still fluid, he said.

Congress Spokesperson Jayanti Natrajan told reporters at the routine press briefing today that the situation continued to be fluid but was being monitored by the Congress General Secretary Incharge of Jharkhand Noor Bano."Any step as and when necessary will be taken by the party in consultation with the allies." MORE UNI YS RP RN1906