Shibu Soren to stake claim for Jharkhand CM today

Ranchi, Aug 25 : JMM president Shibu Soren will stake the claim to form the next government in Jharkhand today, even as seven Independents led by caretaker chief minister Madhu Koda have refused to support him.

Koda's resignation on Saturday without facing the August 25 floor test had paved the way for the JMM president to stake his claim to form the new government.

However, it remains unclear whether he will be able to muster the majority mark.

Soren's party got support from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, who has seven MLAs in the Jharkhand Assembly. Requiring a majority of 41 in a House with an effective strength of 81, the JMM has 17 MLAs and the guaranteed support of Congress (9), RJD (7) and NCP (1). Four independents have pledged support to Soren and the JMM is lobbying to get backing of at least three more independents to reach the magic figure.

Koda submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Sibte Razi on Saturday, after which Razi asked him to continue till an alternative arrangement is made.

The JMM withdrew support to the Koda government on August 17.

In 2005, Soren became the State CM for nine days after the assembly elections.

ANI