JMM not to part ways with UPA coalition: Sudhir Mahto

Ranchi, Jun 11 (UNI) Amid protests by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha against the delimitation commission's recommendation to reduce ST assembly seats of Jharkhand, senior leader Sudhir Mahto today asserted that his party would neither part ways with nor withdraw support from the UPA government at the Centre.

''Since the so-called third front--comprising Telegu Desam, Samajwadi Party, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha(Democratic) and five other parties is non-existent, there is no question of joining it,'' Mr Mahto, also the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Talking to UNI over phone Mr Mahto said a meeting of like-minded political outfits had been called on June 16 to discuss the delimitation issue, adding pressure would also be built up on the Union government.

The JMM leader stressed that the Centre should bring a bill in Parliament's monsoon session for amendment in the Constitution over the issue.

The delimitation commission had recommended reducing the ST assembly seats to 22 from 28.

To a query Mr Mahto said being a partner of the UPA coalition the party would also support UPA's presidential candidate.

Yesterday party vice-president and MP Hemlal Murmu had claimed that the JMM would part ways with the UPA government at the Centre if its request of maintaining status quo of ST assembly seats was not viewed favourably.

UNI