Shibu Soren stakes claim to form new govt

Ranchi, Aug 25 (UNI) JMM president Shibu Soren today staked claim to form the new government in Jharkhand today.

Claiming to have the support of 42 MLAs in the house of 82, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief called on Governor Syed Sibtey Razi and offered to form the government.

Mr Soren was accompanied by RJD president and Railway Minister Lalu Yadav, senior RJD leader Jayprakash Narayan and outgoing chief minister Madhu Koda besides other senior leaders.

The Madhu Koda-led UPA government was reduced to a minority after the JMM with 17 MLAs withdrew support on August 17.

Mr Koda submitted his resignation on August 23 paving the way for the JMM chief to be in the saddle.

UNI AM-PRS KK/src1630