No end to political crisis in Jharkhand

Ranchi, May 12 (ANI): The political situation in Jharkhand remains unclear with talks between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and All Jharkhand Student Union (AJSU) reaching a dead end yet again on Wednesday.

"We are discussing the situation with various supporting parties.

Talks are on to resolve the matter and there are positive signs. I feel that the present political situation is grave and must be resolved soon, to uphold the trust of people who had elected the government for their welfare," said Sudesh Mahato, State Minister and AJSU President.

Due to internal differences, the BJP has been unable to appoint a chief ministerial candidate, even as the party's central observers, Rajnath Singh and Ananth Kumar, seek a consensus with supporting factions.

On the other hand, JMM leaders have not taken a clear stand on which candidate they wish to support as the Chief Minister, further complicating matters.

"All views are being discussed in the ongoing talks, and we are hopeful of arriving at a decision soon," said Hemant Soren, son of ex-Chief Minister Shibu Soren and a possible candidate for the post of Deputy Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, a few other political parties are closely observing the scenario, and are offering 'formulae' to the JMM to resolve the crisis.

Babulal Marandi, chief of the Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) (JVMP) has also joined the fray and has offered support to a coalition of like-minded parties like the JVMP, JMM and the Indian National Congress. Marandi has also asked that the ruling government of the state must be immediately dismissed.

"In my view, no political party will support the JMM in the present scenario. This is because the JMM has not done anything worthwhile for the masses ever since it came to power," claimed Marandi.

The JMM-led government in Jharkhand was reduced to a minority on April 28 after the BJP withdrew its support, as it was reportedly upset withy Soren for voting with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government on the cut motion.

After the BJP's pullout, the ruling coalition has been reduced to 28 Members in a House. (ANI)