Munda seeks time to prove majority

Ranchi, Sep 6 (UNI) A day after the NDA government was reduced to a minority following resignation of four ministers, Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda today sought time from Governor Syed Sibtey Razi to prove majority in the House.

Mr Munda, accompanied by senior ministers and party MLAs, called on Mr Razi at the Raj Bhavan this noon and sought time from him citing similar kind of situations faced by the previous governments in the state.

Later, he told reporters that since the Assembly was adjourned sine die, the Governor after consulting the Speaker, could summon a special session for the purpose.

Mr Munda said he did not see original copies of the resignation letters of the ministers, adding that the NDA did not believe in horse trading to remain in power.

He asserted that he would prove majority in the floor of the House.

Mr Munda was accompanied by JD(U) state president and PHED Minister Jaleswar Mahto, BJP state president Yadunath Pandey, HRD Minister Pradeep Yadav and MLAs Saryu Rai and Dinesh Sarangi. Former MP Ram Tahal Chaudhuri and former MLA Lakshman Swarnkar were also with the delegation.

Yesterday, in a fast changing political development four ministers -- Madhu Koda, Hari Narain Rai, Kamlesh Singh and Enos Ekka -- tendered their letters of withdrawal of support and resignation from the BJP-led NDA government.

Immediately after putting in their papers they demanded that the Munda government be dismissed as it did not enjoy majority any more.

However, Mr Munda, on his return from from New Delhi in the wake of the deepening crisis, last night told reporters here that he was confident of proving his majority at appropriate time and place.

The Governor said he would take a decision according to the constitution.

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