Guruji still father figure but as CM it must be a consensus:Koda

Dumka, Aug 6 (UNI) In the wake of Congress statement that they would not object to JMM president Sibu Soren becoming Chief Minister, incumbent Madhu Koda today said Mr Soren was certainly the 'father figure' in Jharkhand but a final decision depended on the UPA central leadership.

Mr Koda and his wife were here to offer prayer at famous Basukinathdham temple. He was also accompanied by Science and Technology Minister Chandraprakash Choudhary. The Chief Minister asserted that any decision on change of leadership would be taken after discussion with other allies.

''Guruji (as Soren is fondly called here) is acceptable to everyone and I have great respect for him...but whenever any major development arises friends should be taken into confidence,'' Mr Koda told reporters here.

Mr Soren who is to understood to have ''bargained'' for the CM's post against JMM's support to the Manmohan Singh government during the trust vote on July 22, yesterday called on UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other central leaders in New Delhi.

AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh last night said the Congress had no objection if UPA wanted Mr Soren as Chief Minister.

UNI XC-AM-PRS ADG RL BD1915