Koda proves majority, Opposition NDA boycotts session

Ranchi, Sep 20 (UNI) The Madhu Koda-led UPA government in Jharkhand today proved its majority in the state Assembly amid a total boycott of the House by the Opposition NDA.

The treasury benches bagged 41 votes. CPI-ML member Vinod Singh voted against the trust motion.

As Mr Koda placed the motion, the Opposition created a ruckus demanding the appointment of the Speaker first.

When their demand was not heard, they left the House en masse.

Today's extended monsoon session, second during the past week, was necessitated after Mr Koda, a UPA-backed independent MLA, assumed office as Chief Minister on September 18.

Governor Syed Sibtey Razi had asked the new Chief Minister to prove his majority by September 25.

On September 14, the erstwhile Arjun Munda-led NDA government bowed out of power without facing the floor test. Mr Munda's government was reduced to a minority after four ministers withdrew support on September 5.

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