The defeat of Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren in the Tamar bypoll has given Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD the opportunity to push the name of Madhu Koda for the top post. Party sources said efforts in this direction have already begun. Koda, a known favourite of Railway Minister Yadav, had to make way for JMM chief Shibu Soren last August. Koda had no option after Soren decided to withdraw support from his Government.

The former CM also hinted that he was not averse to returning to the helm of affairs in the state. “I have always been adhering to the UPA directives. Whatever the leadership will say I am ready to follow,” Koda said, according to PTI. “The Chief Minister might have lost the seat, but the UPA is still in power and will not leave the turf,” he added.

The RJD feels that given the complex numbers game of the Jharkhand Assembly, no government can survive without the support of independents and thereby Koda was best suited for the task as he had successfully run the Government in the past. Lalu has deep interest in Jharkhand, primarily because the fodder scam cases are under trial in the state.

“President’s Rule is the last option. We feel the UPA Government in the state should continue and for that Madhu Koda is best suited,” pointed out a senior RJD leader.

However, it would not be an easy transition, as Soren apparently wants his nominee to take over. Moreover, the Congress too does not appear to be keen in pushing for an alternative leadership. The Congress was learnt to be in favour of Soren’s resignation followed by fresh election, although the party officially refused to take a stance on the issue maintaining that it was not a part of the Government in the state.

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