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)
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