Thaindian News

Ranchi, Sep 8 (IANS) Tea and lunch parties are being organised in Ranchi by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) to keep their flock of legislators together till Governor M.O.H. Farook invites them to form the government.
On Wednesday morning, JMM chief Shibu Soren invited all the legislators to tea. It was attended by 43 of the 45 legislators who have announced support for a BJP government to be headed by Arjun Munda, who was present too.

The lunch party was thrown by Arjun Munda, a Jamshedpur Lok Sabha MP, at his residence. The 43 legislators were treated to delicious mutton and chicken dishes, fried fish, sweets and other savouries.

“The teas and lunches are being thrown to send a message that we are intact. We are firm on forming a government in the interest of people of the state,” said Hemant Soren, son of JMM chief Shibu Soren. Hemant Soren is likely to be the deputy chief minister.

The BJP Tuesday staked claim to form a government with backing of the JMM and with Munda as the new chief minister.

Governor Farook is likely to invite Munda to form government after getting a green signal from New Delhi, sources here said.

Farook Tuesday night sent a report to the union home ministry recommending that President’s Rule be lifted and detailed the political situation. He is learnt to have sent a list of the legislators supporting a BJP-led government headed by Munda.

Jharkhand has been under President’s Rule since June 2.

According to informed sources, the home ministry’s consent to the governor to invite Munda is expected by Wednesday evening.

The union cabinet will also have to meet to approve lifting of President’s Rule and pave the way for formation of a new government, an official said.

Munda may take oath as chief minister, for a second time, on Sep 11, party insiders said.