Madhu Koda quits; Soren to swear-in on Aug 24

Ranchi, Aug 24: Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda resigned on Saturday, Aug 23 night to pave way for for Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren to take charge. Madhu Koda handed over his resignation to Governor Syed Sibte Razi in the evening, admitting that he was not confident of facing the trust vote in the 81-member Assembly on Sunday, Aug 24. Koda was accompanied by five independent MLAs to the Raj Bhawan, he told reporters after submitting his resignation that his government was reduced to a minority.

"After the turn of events in the last ten-twelve days, morally and democratically, I felt I should resign and that is why I handed over my resignation to the Governor," he said. Koda, meanwhile, turned down the UPA leadership's advice to take over as the state UPA chairperson. He said, “There is no point in accepting the post. Now it is up to Guruji (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Sibu Soren) to see whether he can secure a majority."

Koda said he would not support the new government. Asked whether he and his colleagues would help Soren shore up the numbers, Koda said, “It is for him to get the numbers. I am sure, he will face a lot of problems. We have decided to preserve ourselves as a political group and will approach people sooner."

Shibu Soren, who returned from New Delhi in the evening, said he would meet the Governor on Sunday, Aug 24. He said he was confident of passing the trial of strength. Soren may swear in on Sunday, deferring the trust vote for some time.

OneIndia News