The Congress is not inclined to form a government in Jharkhand and would prefer holding elections in the state along with Maharashtra later this year to secure a fresh mandate from the people. The issue was said to have been discussed at the Congress Core Group meeting on Monday.

While UPA MLAs from Jharkhand are camping in New Delhi to explore the possibility of forming a government, the ruling party at the Centre was apprehensive of the stability of the next government. “Although we are not in favour of forming the government, no final decision has been taken yet. We are still talking with the MLAs,” said a senior Congress functionary.

All India Congress Committee in-charge of Jharkhand K Keshav Rao held discussions with state party leaders on Monday to seek their views. JMM leader Shibu Soren was in favour of forming the government and was even learnt to have offered chief ministership to the Congress.

Meanwhile, AICC spokesman Shakeel Ahmed on Monday told reporters that the party was yet to make up its mind on forming a government in Jharkhand. It will depend on the Governor’s report, he said.

The term of the Assembly expires in February next year. President’s Rule was imposed in the state last January.