Congress-Jharkhand Mukti Morcha deal in 4 neighbouring states

NEW DELHI: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has returned to the United Progressive Alliance ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Congress’ alliance with JMM for forming a government in Jharkhand has been extended to the Lok Sabha elections and the GOP will contest 10 of the 14 seats from the state.

The alliance will jointly fight polls in neighbouring West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Chhattisgarh too. Congress general secretary BK Hariprasad said a coordination panel and a common minimum programme will be prepared for the smooth functioning of the new coalition government in Jharkhand, to be headed by JMM’s Hemant Soren.

The symbolism was not lost as Soren's father Shibu Soren is considered a key tribal face in the country and tribals are in substantial number in Chhattishgarh and Odisha. While Chhattisgarh goes to assembly polls this year, Odisha polls will be held along with Lok Sabha elections due next year.

“When allies are deserting NDA, new parties are coming to UPA,” Haripasad told PTI.