In yet another attempt to engage Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), the Congress has sent some positive signals to it. The State unit of the Congress party is expecting some clear directives from party president Sonia Gandhi following a meeting of the State leaders with the top brass of the party at Delhi on Monday.
The meeting was attended by Sonia Gandhi, Sushilkumar Sinde, AK Antony, Jairam Ramesh, Ahmed Patel, among others. The State Congress was represented by Jharkhand Congress legislative Party leader Rajendra Singh and Pradesh Congress Committee president Sukhdeo Bhagat. However, there was no deadline fixed for taking a decision.
"This was the first meeting of its kind. Our senior most leaders were present at the high-level meeting and we have received some very positive signals on Government formation. Now, a decision lies with Madam (Sonia Gandhi). It is expected that a decision would be taken by tomorrow," said Bhagat on phone from Delhi. He added that they would be camping in the national capital till then.
However, Bhagat also made it clear that no deadline had been set for a decision to calm down the otherwise restless JMM, posturing to take a final call at its June 16 meet.
Similarly, in-charge of party affairs in Jharkhand, Shakil Ahmed said "another meeting would take place in which things would be finalised. After this, we would get a clear signal whether to form an alliance with likeminded parties or go for fresh polls. If things do not take a turn as per our expectations, we may request the Governor to dissolve the Assembly before July 19," said Ahmed. On July 19, the President's Rule will complete six months in the State.
Signals have also reached the JMM camp that was expecting a final call by Monday evening. "There are some positive signals and we are hoping for a final decision by today evening," said party legislator Shashank Shekhar Bhokta.
JMM insiders say that the JMM is preparing to go ahead with the dissolution call and a decision in this regard may take place at the June 16 central committee meeting if nothing comes up from the Congress side.