“If our proposal is not accepted, we will prefer to go to the polls,” said JMM’s secretary Shailendra Bhattacharya.

In the 81-member Assembly, the Soren government had survived with a thin majority of 43 MLAs — JMM’s 17, Congress’ nine, RJD’s seven and 10 Independents. None of these UPA partners had come out in support of Soren’s proposal. Even within the JMM, there was no consensus over Champai Soren. Apart from Deputy CM Sudhir Mahato, two MLAs, Sushila Hansda and Mathura Mahato, had opposed his candidature.

The NDA, led by former CM Arjun Munda, had demanded, “The most serious issue before all of us is to strengthen our economy and open job avenues. This would be possible only when the polls are held afresh.”

Now, the UPA has three options: First, to accept Soren’s proposal; secondly, promulgate President’s rule in the state; and third, pressurise Soren to appoint someone else like former CM Madhu Koda as his successor.

Meanwhile, in the wake of Soren resigning from the chief ministership, the Opposition on Monday demanded the imposition of President’s rule in the state to pave way for the fresh elections.