A dejected Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren today indicated that he may step down in the wake of his defeat in the by-election.
"I have lost the elections... since I have been defeated in people's court, I am certainly a defeated man. Moreover, I have lost as Chief Minister, hence I will have to think on the issue of continuing as CM," he told reporters here when asked whether he would step down as Chief Minister.
"What happens after losing?... I cannot explain everything here," the JMM chief said.
Soren said he will discuss his future with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and other leaders before taking a "clear cut decision" soon.
When asked if Sonia's word was final on the issue, Soren said, "She is running the country. She is UPA chairperson and as part of UPA we have to accept her decision."
The JMM leader, who flew in from Ranchi last night after his defeat in Tamara bye-election, has sought time with Gandhi but has not yet heard from her.
RJDD chief Lalu Prasad is the first leader Soren will be meeting today. He was accompanied by Bandhu Tirki, a minister in his cabinet who is close to Prasad.
Soren said he had nothing to say about Madhu Koda, UPA in-charge of Jharkhand, replacing him in case he steps down.
Soren, however, expressed surprise over his defeat. "I had no idea I would lose. I held the maximum number of meetings...pulled biggest crowds," he said. The JMM leader said as per the rules he could continue even now as he had not completed six months yet.
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