JMM decides to withdraw support to BJP-led govt in Jharkhand

Ranchi: In the backdrop of conflicting claims about an accord on rotational leadership of the coalition, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) on Monday decided to withdraw support to the Arjun Munda-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Jharkhand, pushing it to a minority and threatening its survival.

add_main_imageJMM leader and deputy chief minister Hemant Soren said the decision was “unanimous” and was taken after talking to several BJP leaders, including its Jharkhand affairs in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan.

“After a series of meetings, JMM has decided to withdraw support to the (BJP-led) government,” Soren told the media after the party’s executive committee meeting. JMM chief Shibu Soren said the party would hand over on Tuesday, a letter conveying to Governor Syed Ahmed its decision to withdraw support to the Munda government.NextMAds

In the 82-member state assembly, BJP and JMM have 18 members each and the Munda government enjoys the support of six members of All Jharkhand Students’ Union, two of Janata Dal (United), two independents and one nominated member who has voting right in trial of strength.

Earlier, Munda met JMM chief Shibu Soren and discussed the political situation in the state. JMM has put before BJP ‘over phone´ certain issues, including the “ruling by rotation”. The 28-month limit for ruling by BJP, according to the party ends on 10 January .

Relations between BJP and JMM have come under strain since chief minister Arjun Munda, in a written reply to a letter from JMM on 3 January, rejected that there was an agreement between the two parties on “rotation of power” after 28 months in the office.

JMM, however, insisted there had been an agreement to share power. Hemant Soren had in a letter to Munda on 25 December asked him to clarify BJP’s stand on the issue.

Hemant Soren said, “if BJP considers them (the issues) positively, then the JMM can even consider its withdrawl of support.”