The political drama in Jharkhand seems to have reached a crucial stage. Following the consultation between JMM and Congress leaders on Hul Diwas at Dumka on Sunday, the leaders are planning to meet again late on Monday evening or Tuesday to seal things conclusively.
In-charge of Congress affairs in the State, BK Hariprasad and senior leader Shakil Ahmed are camping in Ranchi for the meeting. Sources privy to the developments revealed that the framework for government formation seat-sharing for the lok Sabha elections in 2014 had been chalked out by all 'likeminded partners'.
"The formula has been worked out during the meeting. As per indications, Congress is likely to contest eight lok Sabha seats while the JMM and RJD will get four and two seats, respectively," said a senior Congress leader requesting anonymity. Information also suggests that the Cabinet has also been finalised and will be announced after a nod from the high command in Delhi, probably by July 10.
The Pioneer had earlier reported that JMM leader Hemant Soren is all set to become the Chief Minister in the new set up as the Congress has offered him the post along with four ministerial berths. Post of Assembly Speaker may also be bagged by the JMM and its senior leader Hazi Hussain Ansari is the front runner for that.
From the Congress, four names are doing the rounds for ministerial berth. Congress legislative Party leader Rajendra Singh along with legislators KN Tripathi, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Geetashree Oraon may figure in the Cabinet that can accommodate 12 members, including the Chief Minister. Chances are that the RJD would also participate in the government despite its faceoff with the Congress in Bihar.
Confirming the developments, BK Hariparasad on Monday told the reporters that talks were in the final stages with the JMM and a formula had been devised. Congress' lone MP from the State, Subodh Kant Sahay also sounded positive and asserted that the new Government was just a matter of time.
Both the major parties, significantly, are unwilling to divulge much, particularly about the role of the Independents in the coalition. At least two among the six have a tainted baggage and have been in jail for their alleged roles in the multi-crore money laundering scam during the Koda regime. This apart, the fresh coalition would have to deal with the ongoing CBI probe into the Rajya Sabha horse-trading case in which a host of Congress and JMM legislators are under the scanner.