“We have decided to withdraw support from the Madhu Koda Government if he does not step down,” Soren said, setting the deadline of August 17 when the central committee of the party will meet in Ranchi to take a decision on pulling out. The JMM, with 17 MLAs in the Jharkhand Assembly, is the largest UPA constituent and without its support the Koda Government cannot hope to survive.

Soren issued the threat after the Congress and RJD leaders met him at his residence on Tuesday. However, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is learnt to be opposed to Soren’s claim, said: “I have no problem if Soren becomes Chief Minister but he has to manage the Independents who are crucial for survival of the Government.” Similarly, Congress’ Jharkhand in-charge Ajay Makan said his party was willing to support Soren if he formed the Government.

Soren claimed his candidature for Jharkhand’s top post had the sanction of key UPA leaders like Congress president Sonia Gandhi and the RJD chief. “The decision to make me CM was taken long back and it had the sanction of the UPA high command. We have waited for long. Now, the time is running out,” he said.

The JMM leader also claimed that besides chief ministership, the party would be getting two portfolios — one Cabinet rank and a minister of state berth — at the Centre.

Koda, however, said: “Change of leadership is not a one-to-one matter. The decision has to be taken in consultation with MLAs and ministers here. “

Nine Independents, including Koda, hold the key in the 82-member Jharkhand Assembly, where the UPA Government enjoys a slender majority. One of them, Stephen Marandi, a die-hard opponent of Soren and said to be leader of the Independents, said: “I will quit rather than accept Guruji (Soren) as CM.”

However, JMM MP Hemlal Murmu said once the UPA leadership took the decision to replace Koda with Soren, these Independent legislators would fall in line. “They will be compelled to support Guruji,” he added.

(with inputs from Manoj Prasad)