JMM seeks more time to form Jharkhand government

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha on Sunday urged state Governor Syed Ahmed to allow it 'some more time' for forming the government.

JMM leader Hemant Soren informed Ahmed that he was in talks with 'like-minded' parties, Raj Bhavan sources said.

"Only 38 MLAs (in the 82-member House) favour dissolution of the House while others favour formation of government. So allow us some more time as we are holding talks with other parties," sources quoted Soren as having told the governor.

Soren, who returned from Delhi on Saturday after talking to Congress leaders, also informed Ahmed that JMM was not in favour of President's rule.

JMM had on January 8 withdrawn support to the 28-month BJP-led government.

The same day the erstwhile Munda cabinet recommended dissolution of the House favouring fresh mandate. Munda also resigned from the chief minister's post.

In the 82-member Jharkhand assembly, BJP and JMM have 18 members each. The Munda government had support of six members of Ajsu Party, two of JD (U), two independents and one nominated member who has voting right in a trial of strength.

Opposition Congress has a total of 13 members, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha(P) 11 and RJD 5.

CPI-ML(L), Marxist Coordination Party, Jharkhand Party (Ekka), Jharkhand Janadhikar Manch and Jai Bharat Samta Party have one member each besides an independent.