Munda faces floor test tomorrow

Ranchi, Sep 13 (UNI) Crisis managers of ruling NDA and Opposition UPA were busy keeping their flocks together on the eve of the crucial extended monsoon session in Jharkhand when Chief Minister Arjun Munda faces a confidence motion.

Party managers who rushed in here have been assigned the daunting task of keeping their concerned flocks together till the show gets over.

Mr Arjun Munda's government was reduced to a minority on September five when four ministers--Mr Kamlesh Singh(NCP), Mr Harinarain Rai, Mr Madhu Koda and Mr Anos Ekka(All Independents)-- resigned from the BJP-led NDA government.

The UPA's camp, comprising apparently 43 so far in a House of 82, is expected to arrive here tonight from New Delhi by a chartered plane.

Reports from New Delhi today said Railway Minister Lalu Prasad (RJD) paraded 37 MLAs at a press conference there claiming that the remaining six legislators would turn up at the Assembly to give a 'crushing defeat' to Mr Munda.

The UPA MLAs were likely to be escorted back here by Mr Prasad, besides, Ms Noor Banu, Ms Mebel Rebello and Mr Oscar Fernandes (all Congress).

On the NDA front, hectic parleys were on at the BJP office and at the chief minister's residence till late last night to draw out strategies for tomorrow's trial of strength.

The BJP-led NDA dispensation, now reduced to a minority following the resignations, stood at 39, including the Speaker.

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