Munda set for 2nd innings in Jharkhand

March 01, 2005

As the BJP-led coalition prepares to stake claim to form the government in Jharkhand, CM Arjun Munda seems to be poised for a second innings.

The BJP-JD(U) combine has been asked to meet governor Syed Sibte Razi at 11 am on Tuesday. BJP finally decided to back Munda over Babulal Marandi, the favourite of central leadership, or even Karia Munda.

Marandi is an MP and BJP was unwilling to leave any scope for a single vacant seat in the House at a juncture when the combine has just about made the numbers.

If Marandi was selected, he would have to wait to be elected to the Assembly. The NDA seems to have garnered the support of at least five MLAs — two AJSU winners, three Independents, one of its own rebels and either one from Forward Bloc or UNGP.