BJP hopeful of resolving Jharkhand leadership crisis

Bhartiya Janata Party leadership is hopeful of resolving the present crisis that has threatened the continuation of Arjun Munda as the chief minister of Jharkhand.

Seven Jharkhand ministers had raised the banner of revolt against Munda. They have been camping in Delhi for last few days along with their supporters to press the central leadership of BJP to change the leadership of the state.

Late Thursday night supporters of Munda arrived in New Delhi from Ranchi to plead the case of their leader.

• Also read: Munda to discuss Cabinet with NDA leadership

Speaking to rediff.com a top BJP leader said on Friday that there is no threat to Arjun Munda whatsoever. "Munda would continue as the chief minister of Jharkhand and there is going to be no change in the state leadership," he said.

"We know that the former chief minister Babulal Marandi has been behind this uprising which has been going on for sometime. Even the former external affairs minister Yashwant Sinha has thrown his weight behind these rebels. But since the matter has reached Delhi we hope to resolve it," another BJP leader who did not wish to be named told this correspondent.

• Also read: BJP to form coordination committee in Jharkhand

Babu Lal Marandi along with ministers Suresh Mehto, Madhu Kaura, Enos Ekka, Chander Prakash, Hari Narain Rai, five non BJP independents who were inducting into the ministry have been openly criticising Munda for his style of functioning.

On Friday, the rebels are expected to have a series of meetings including one with George Fernandes, convener of the National Democratic Alliance to put forward their case. BJP has formed two sub-committees to resolve the crisis and party spokeperson Mrs Sushma Swaraj is likely to address the press on Friday afternoon.