Ranked third Cong happy over improving tally in Simaria

Ranchi, Feb 7 (UNI) The Congress which secured third place in the Simaria bypoll, results of which were announced today, tried to draw inspiration saying in the last Assembly election the party had forfeited its deposit.

But, Jharkhand Vikash Morcha president Babulal Marandi whose party candidate finished second, dared the Congress take a final decision on pulling out of the UPA-backed Madhu Koda government in the state.

Mr Marandi said the Congress, which was supposed to take a decision after the Simaria bypoll was now left with no other option but to stand by its assertion.

Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries (Independent Charge) Subodh Kant Sahai said the Congress' vote bank in Simaria increased to 19,700 this time from 5010 polled in the last Assembly elections.

Mr Sahai said the Congress stand taken two months ago on the issues of corruption and development was supported by people as the result indicated today.

He asserted that the result would not alter the Congress stand taken regarding support to the Koda government. From the Simaria bypoll the party results.

State Congress presiednt Pradeep Balmuchu thanked the voters of Simaria for their support to the party.

He said CWC member and in-charge of Jharkhand Ajay Maken who gave two-month deadline to the Koda government either to perform or perish was welcome by the people in large number as shown by the Simaria poll results.

Meanwhile, CPI (ML) which backed the CPI candidate in the bypoll said the Left candidate's win proved that the people were fed-up with the parties like BJP and Congress.

RJD and JMM also supported the Left candidate while the Congress fielded its own candidate who was denied ticket by the RJD.

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