Man who may become Jharkhand CM

With the Arjun Munda government in deep trouble, independent legislator Madhu Koda, who raised the banner of revolt against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition in Jharkhand, is emerging as the choice for the next chief minister.

All major parties in the alliance, including the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and the Rashtriya Janata Dal, are reportedly supporting Koda's name for heading the alternative secular government.

The United Progressive Alliance is claiming the support of 43 legislators, including the four ministers who resigned from the Munda government. Meanwhile, RJD supremo and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said the Munda government had been reduced to a minority and its fall was imminent.

"UPA partners are in touch with each other in the wake of revolt in the NDA and parties are united to form a secular government in Jharkhand," he said, adding that RJD legislators are in Delhi and taking a lead to dislodge the Munda government.

He said his party was also keeping a close watch on the developments. Justifying the revolt by the four ministers, Prasad said they had taken the 'right step' by resigning.

"We will take appropriate steps at the appropriate time. Consensus is emerging in favour of Madhu Koda," he said. Koda was parliamentary affairs minister in the Munda government. The resignations of the four ministers came 18 months after Munda came to power.

Meanwhile, the Congress is reacting cautiously to the developments with party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi saying that the party was watching the fast evolving situation 'closely and carefully.' "At this stage, we have nothing to say. We will react, if necessary, at the appropriate time and in an appropriate manner," he added.