Trial of strength for Koda on August 25

Ranchi, Aug 19 (UNI) The trial of strength for the Madhu Koda-led UPA government in Jharkhand, which was reduced to a minority after major ally JMM parted ways, will be held on August 25.

Announcing this at his official residence here, Mr Koda said he would prove his majority in the House on August 25 and dismissed as ''unfounded stories'' the rumours about horse trading as apprehended by the Opposition parties.

'' There would not be any horse trading as the two-year performance of my government was enough to win the hearts of the legislators and people of the state as well,'' he said.

Asked about his strategy, Mr Koda said, ''it cannot be disclosed'' adding efforts were on even to bring back the JMM.

About JMM president Shibu Soren's allegation that some force was working behind Mr Koda making him so rigid about not to resign, the chief minister said ''God and UPA'' were behind him and he believed the state government had delivered the goods in the past two years.

He said Governor Syed Sibtey Razi yesterday gave time till August 25 and he would go for the floor test on that very day.

Mr Koda said there was no ''astrlogical calculation'' to choose the day as he believed in ''apna haath jagannath''.

UNI PRS KK RL AS1911