Jharkhand floor test by Sep 14: Governor

Ranchi, Sep 6 (UNI) Jharkhand Governor Syed Sibtey Razi today asked Chief Minister Arjun Munda to prove his majority in the Assembly by September 14 after the fragile 18-month-old BJP-led NDA government was reduced to a minority following the resignation of four Ministers.

Addressing a crowded press conference at his official residence, Mr Munda, while asserting that majority of ministers were still on his side, accused the Congress of trying to halt developmental programmes initiated by him by trying to create unrest in the governance.

After the resignation, the Munda government was reduced to 39 in the 82-member House. One nominated member is also with the ruling but now minority government.

Yesterday, four ministers-- Madhu Koda, Hari Narain Rai, Kamlesh Singh and Anos Ekka -- tendered their letters of withdrawal of support and resignation from the BJP-led NDA government.

Mr Munda, after his visit to the Raj Bhavan, told reporters that since the Assembly was adjourned sine die, the Governor, after consulting the Speaker, could summon a special session for the purpose.

RJD chief and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, meanwhile, said the Arjun Munda-led NDA government in Jharkhand should immediately step down to facilitate the formation of a secular government there. He asserted that the repercussions of the political crisis in Jharkhand would also be felt in Bihar.

''Chief Minister Arjun Munda is fighting a losing battle, and he should immediately step down to end the political crisis in the state,'' Mr Prasad told reporters.

The Congress also appeared to be adopting a wait and watch policy following the uncertainty continuing to prevail over the fate of the Arjun Munda Government in Jharkhand.

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 Koda, who may be acceptable to the other UPA partners also, and may extend outside support.

However, 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 Left parties too asserted that the BJP-led NDA government in Jharkhand had forfeited its moral right to rule as it had lost majority in the state Assembly.

Eds: pick up suitably from related series.

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