No threat to Koda government: Deputy CM

Dumka, Feb 18 (UNI) Deputy Chief Minister Stephen Marandi today claimed there was no threat to five-month-old Madhu Koda ministry following withdrawal of support of Forward Bloc to the UPA government in Jharkhand.

Mr Marandi said he would talk to the FB leaders and hoped that, matter would be sorted out.

Mr Marandi is expected to call on FB's Central leaders including general secretary Devbrata Biahwas. He said the FB belonged to a secular party and would not take any decision which would help the Oppostion NDA.

The FB withdrew support to the UPA government after controversial and suspended MLA of the party, Bhanu Pratap Shahi was made a minister in the Koda government.

Meanwhile, political manoeuvring was up as the Opposition leader demanded Governor Syed Sibte Razi should ask Mr Koda to prove its majority on the floor of the house before the budget session begins on March 2.

According to political analysts, FB's latest jolt could be a set back for the government as it was enjoying a wafer-thin majority with the support of two FB MLAs, including Mr Shahi in the 82-member state assembly.

However, the party leaders said technically Mr Shahi could not work against party whip and it would issue whip to vote against the UPA if the situation arose.

On the other hand, the suspended MLA claimed that the he was not bound to listen to the FB whip as the party had no significance in Jharkhand politics.

UNI