Dissolve Jharkhand Assembly, says Arjun Munda to Governor

Ranchi, Jan 8: With the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) informing Governor Syed Ahmed that they have withdrawn support to the BJP-led government, Chief Minister Arjun Munda today recommended dissolution of the state Assembly. He reached the Raj Bhavan here around 11.30 am and submitted his resignation.

Earlier in the day, a JMM delegation led by Deputy Chief Minister Hemant Soren met the governor and handed over the letter that conveys the party's decision to pull out of the coalition government in the state.

JMM leaders claimed that their BJP counterparts had promised to share power with them but the latter denied striking any such deal in Sept 2010. BJP also rejected JMM's suggestion to replace Munda with someone else from the ruling party.

Pointing out that "Jharkhand's image in the public eye has been very bad" due to frequent regime change, the Chief Minister said, "I have tried to improve it during the last two years and I am getting good results. I would like it to be carried forward in the interest of the state's progress." He added that all parties have the responsibility to ensure political stability in Jharkhand.

JMM did not heed his words and demanded that Munda resign without delay. Yesterday, members of the party's central committee met here and decided that they will no longer back the government. Reports say that six of the 18 JMM legislators wanted to remain in the ruling coalition that includes the Janata Dal (United) and the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU).

While AJSU has six MLAs and JD(U) two in the 81-member state Assembly, BJP has 18 MLAs. JMM's decision to withdraw support indicates that it could join hands with other opposition parties in Jharkhand.

State Congress chief Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu told reporters that the imposition of President's Rule "is not a solution. It hampers work done by legislators in their respective areas and makes improper use of public money."

OneIndia News