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Rediff.com  » News » Congress plays waiting game in J'khand

Congress plays waiting game in J'khand

By Onkar Singh in New Delhi
Last updated on: September 06, 2006 12:11 IST
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A day after Congress leaders expressed optimism on installing an United Progressive Alliance government in Jharkhand following defection of three independent ministers of the Arjun Munda government, the party has adopted wait and watch policy and seems to be in no hurry to bring about the fall of the government.

"We are waiting. Let the government come in minority and then the political scene will unfold itself," Congress general secretary Janardhan Dwivedi told media persons in an informal chat on Tuesday evening.  

Congress leaders were unwilling to admit that they were under pressure from Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Yadav to install UPA government as five of his legislators were being targetted by Arjun Munda to keep his government intact.

"Four ministers of Arjun Munda have already resigned and his government has become a minority government. If the government falls then the single largest party should get the post of the chief ministership. This virtually rules out Madhu Koda, an independent legislator, becoming the chief minister," a senior congress leader told rediff.com.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha chief Shibu Soren is not very keen on making Madhu Koda chief minister of the state. Though chances of Soren returning to the state are remote but it is expected that if the Munda government falls, the chief ministership may go to a confidante of Soren.

Governor Syed Sibte Razi will play a crucial role in deciding whether or not Munda has lost the mandate to rule and dismiss his government or ask him to prove the majority on the floor of the House.

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Onkar Singh in New Delhi