JMM to reconsider its support to Koda government

Ranchi, Mar 6 (UNI) The assassination of JMM leader Sunil Mahto by the Naxalites has adversely affected the five-month-old Madhu Koda led-UPA government in Jharkhand as the party, having 17 MLAs --the largest in the 82-member House-- is reconsidering its support to the ruling party.

JMM general secretary and MP Hemlal Murmu told reporters in Dumka last night that according to party supremo Sibu Soren-- presently serving a sentence in jail-- the Central Working Committee of JMM will meet here on March 7 to discuss the party's strategy to reconsider support to the Koda government.

Yesterday, Mr Murmu had called on Soren in the jail.

The proposed CWC meeting assumes significance in view of the JMM's decision that would decide the future of the Jharkhand government.

The Congress, another ally of the UPA, criticised Chief Minister Madhu Koda for the prevailing law and order situation and demanded President's rule in the state.

The JMM leader stressed for a common platform, comprising all political parties, to evolve strategies to counter the Naxal problem in the state.

''The Centre should initiate steps to check the Naxalism menace, which dominates 18 of the total 22 districts in the state,'' he said.

UNI