Soren claims to form next Government

{image-shibu soren_25082008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Ranchi, Aug 25: JMM President Shibu Soren will stake the claim to form the next government in Jharkhand on Monday, Aug 25 even as seven independents led by Madhu Koda refused to support Soren. Koda"s resignation on Saturday, Aug 23 without facing the Sunday, Aug 25 floor test had paved the way for the JMM president to stake his claim to form the new government. 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