Finally,BJP and JMM strike deal: CM by rotation

Ending the political impasse lasting three weeks in Jharkhand,the BJP and JMM on Tuesday agreed to share power on a rotational basis with the BJPs Arjun Munda-led team set to form the government within a week....

Ending the political impasse lasting three weeks in Jharkhand,the BJP and JMM on Tuesday agreed to share power on a rotational basis with the BJPs Arjun Munda-led team set to form the government within a week.

I have decided to relinquish power. I am sure our coalition will provide a stable government and work for all-round development of this state and its people, said Chief Minister Shibu Soren,who has ensured that the remaining term of his government is shared equally by the two parties. Soren had taken oath as CM for a third time on December 30 last year,and the BJP had announced its decision to withdraw support to his government on April 28 after he voted against the BJP-sponsored cut motions in the Lok Sabha.

Asked if he was going to quit politics,Sorens reply was in the negative. He is sure to remain the partys MP.

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According to the deal inked by them,the BJP will lead the government for the next 28 months. After completion of the BJPs term,the JMM will constitute government with its CM for the remaining 28 months, said Munda.

The decision was arrived at during a meeting at the Chief Ministers residence in the afternoon,a day after the BJPs former president Rajnath Singh conveyed to Soren to either hand over the baton of power to the BJP as was agreed by the allies in New Delhi earlier,or his party would be compelled to withdraw support to his government.

With the opposition Congress showing no interest in joining hands with the JMM for realignment of forces in Jharkhand,the fear of re-imposition of Presidents Rule seemed to have weighed so heavily on Soren that he agreed to quit on May 25. Earlier,he had told his partymen that he would not step down before June 30.

The BJP-led government headed by its national general secretary and former chief minister Arjun Munda is likely to be formed on May 25. Munda had appeared as the front-runner for the post after a majority of the BJPs 18 MLAs backed him here on May 11 in front of the partys two observers,Rajnath Singh and Ananth Kumar.

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According to the deal,the BJP,which has the post of Deputy CM and the Speaker and three ministers at present,will have its CM,Speaker with two ministers. The JMM,which holds the post of CM and three ministers now,is to get the post of Deputy CM and Deputy Speaker and four ministers. The AJSU is to retain the post of Deputy CM and two ministers. The JD(U) is to retain a post of minister.

Congress releases second list for Bihar elections, fields 5 candidates

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