Shibu Soren as next Jharkhand CM?

NEW DELHI: JMM chief Shibu Soren on Tuesday staked claim for Chief Ministership of Jharkhand, demanding that the incumbent Madhu Koda should quit soon, failing which support to the state government will be withdrawn. "The decision regarding making me Jharkhand CM was taken long back but it is getting delayed. Hence, we arrived at the decision to withdraw support for Koda government if he does not resign now," said Soren after a meeting of leaders from Jharkhand at his residence.

At the same time, he claimed that the "UPA high command has directed Madhu Koda to resign and facilitate my oath taking. I will take oath as new CM as soon has he resigns there".

The JMM leader also claimed that besides Chief Ministership to him, the party will be getting two portfolios -- one cabinet rank and a minister for state berth -- at the Centre.

Soren, however, declined to name the two of its five MPs who will be inducted into the Cabinet.

Earlier, Soren had supported the UPA in the confidence motion on July 22 after putting forth certain conditions.

Soren firmly denied that the independent ministers in the state had reservations on his becoming the CM. "There is no objection from any quarter".

Refusing to specify the time-frame given to Koda for putting in his papers, Soren said: "He has to resign as soon as possible."

While Soren refused to comment on reports that he had put forth a time-frame on the issue of change of guard in Jharkhand, a senior JMM leader said that the party conveyed to the Congress leadership this morning that it could take any decision if the UPA did not take action on JMM's demand.

Lalu not opposed to Soren as CM
According to Times Now, Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad, who played an instrumental role in installing Koda in office, has said that he has 'no problems' with Soren replacing Koda as the chief minister of Jharkhand. ( Watch )

Lalu was understood to be firmly opposed to any change of guard in Jharkhand. However, Lalu today clarified and declared support to Soren.

The RJD has substantial political stakes in Jharkhand and most fodder scam cases against Lalu are also at different stages of trial in the state.

Source : Times Of India