Munda announces decision to resign

Ranchi, Sep 14: Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda today announced his decision to resign as the 18-month-old NDA government was reduced to a minority following the resignation of four ministers.

As the extended monsoon session began at 1100 hrs to conduct a floor test for Mr Munda, the Chief Minister, after a speech dishing out some developmental projects taken up by his government, announced his decision to resign.

Mr Munda then left for Raj Bhavan to hand over his resignation to Governor Syed Sibtey Razi.

In the outgoing Munda-led NDA government in the state there were 39 members against the Opposition UPA's tally of 43.

As the extended monsoon session began at 1100 hrs to take up the floor test for Mr Munda, the Chief Minister after a speech dishing out some developmental projects initiated by his government, announced his decision to resign.

Earlier in the morning, the Speaker reserved his verdict on three legislators -- Mr Anos Ekka, Kamlesh Singh and Stephen Marandi -- facing disqualification charge, and allowed them to vote in the trust motion.

On September five, Mr Ekka, Mr Singh, Mr Hari Narayan Rai and Mr Madhu Koda resigned from the Munda government.

The Governor asked the Chief Minister to prove his majority by September 15.

UNI