JMM to stake claim on Monday

RANCHI: Optimistic over forming a new government in Jharkand, the JMM tonight said it will stake the claim tomorrow as Shibu Soren's party got more support with RJD supremo Lalu Yadav even vowing to install him as Chief Minister at all costs.

After meeting Governor Syed Sibte Razi at Raj Bhavan tonight, Soren's son Durga and ally NCP's MLA Kamlesh Singh said "we called on him and sought a meeting at 4 PM tomorrow. "Guruji (Soren) will stake claim after meeting the Governor."

The duo told newsmen that Soren would come with the list of required number of MLAs but refused to divulge the exact figure. However, there is no word from the Raj Bhavan.

Requiring a majority of 41 in an effective strength of 81 in the House, the JMM has 17 MLAs and guaranteed support of Congress (9), RJD(7) and NCP(1).Four independents have pledged support to Soren and the JMM is lobbying to get backing of at least three more independents to reach the magic figure.

Soren got a shot in the arm when he received support of NCP MLA Kamlesh Singh and 'conditional' help from Independent MLA Bhanu Pratap Sahi.

Sahi claimed that Soren also had the backing of Bandhu Tirkey, Joba Manjhi (UGDP), and Enos Ekka (IND), hours after caretaker Chief Minister Madhu Koda claimed that he and five independents would not support Soren to form a new government.

Soren also received a boost when RJD supremo Lalu Prasad said in Patna that Soren had almost become the chief minister and if required he would also travel to Ranchi.

All the five Independent MLAs about whom Koda was talking about were in constant touch with him and had expressed solidarity with Soren, Prasad told reporters.

Senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha demanded that the governor invite the single largest party before the JMM stakes claim. BJP has 29 MLAs(including five suspended ones), the JD(U) has four and has the support of Independent MLA Inder Singh Namdhari.