Guidance will always be sought from Sonia, Sibu and Lalu:Koda

Ranchi, Sep 16 (UNI) Defending his resignation from the outgoing Arjun Munda government and subsequently joining the UPA, which put him into the top post in Jharkhand, Chief Minister designate Madhu Koda today said it was becoming difficult for him to continue in a cabinet dominated by contractors and middlemen.

Mr Koda, who along with three other ministers, resigned on September 5 rendering the BJP-led NDA government a minority, was under criticism for his sudden shifting of loyalty.

''There is nothing wrong in my decision as contractors and middlemen were dominating the NDA policy, making it hard for me to work for the cause of the people,'' Mr Koda, scheduled to take oath as the new chief minister on Monday, told UNI in an exclusive interview.

Mr Koda, a relatively low profile politician in Jharkhand politics till his open revolt the other day, said he was obliged to three people--Ms Sonia Gnadhi, Mr Sibu Soren and Mr Lalu Prasad.

While expressing his gratitude to the trio for reposing faith in him, he made no bones that he would continue to seek guidance from them in running the state.

Ruling out the slightest tinge of revenge or grudge in the style of functioning and approach towards the few major policies taken up by his predecessor, he said he would carry forward all development projects already initiated.

However, Mr Koda sounded sceptical about 'all' the MoUs signed by Mr Munda and hinted that those found really beneficial and friendly towards poeple would be seriously considered.

Asked about his priority, he said, he would mainly focus on the upliftment of the economically backward and ensure their involvement in the government.

Considering panchayat election to be a key issue, Mr Koda said he would take initiative in this regard after discussing other UPA partners.

He said his government would be a secular one assuring people of all communities of equal treatment.

He said a steering committee comprising senior UPA leaders was formed and the government would work according to a common minimum programme.

The government would also focus on strengthening the public distribution scheme, education and health departments.

On the issue of reshuffling of bureaucrats he said change in administration was a routine affair which is done according to the need.

UNI AM-PRS PL PR BST1904