Former Jharkhand CM Madhu Koda supports UPA 'unconditionally'

New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): Ahead of the Government formation by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance, the former Jharkhand chief minister and BJP leader Madhu Koda announced his unconditional support to the United Progressive Alliance on Wenesday.

Koda contested the Lok Sabha elections as an Independent from the Singhbhum (ST) constituency of Jharkhand.

He called on Sonia Gandhi and both the leaders spent 15 minutes with her. Following the meet, Koda told media that he was extending support to the UPA.

"I am extending support to the UPA as it is the only dispensation which can ensure overall development of Jharkhand."

Asked if the issue of Jharkhand's chief ministership figured during the discussion with Sonia Gandhi, Koda said, "I have extended unconditional support and no such issues were raised. The priority is formation of a UPA government at the Centre."

Meanwhile, another Independent MP Om Prakash Yadav, who won from Siwan in Bihar, also extended unconditional support to the UPA today. But he alleged that Siwan had become a symbol of growing criminalisation of politics and his priority would be development of the region.

Maharashtra Congress leader Kripa Shankar Singh accompanied the two newly elected MPs. (ANI)