With three phases of the polls over, the Jharkhand Congress seems to have sensed the result not going to be any different from the verdict in States which went to the polls recently. The party apprehensive of a poor show once again hinted that post-poll it may go again with its present ally in the Government, the JMM.
When asked about poll results and chances of government formation in the stability stripped State, Congress general secretary BK Hariprasad did not deny taking help of the ruling JMM. “We will cross the bridge when we reach it. Any talk (on coalition) would take place after December 23,” he said addressing a press conference on Wednesday.
The leader did not show any confidence about the government of his own party which is contesting on 67 seats alone and the rest with the allies like RJD and JD-U. No matter it could not enter into an arrangement with the JMM but in all likelihood if the verdict is for a hung Assembly once again the Congress is open to shake hands with Hemant Soren, the scenario apprehended on several occasions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his election meetings.
last phase of poll is slated to complete on December 20 and counting of votes would take place on December 23 paving way for a new government in Jharkhand.
Hariprasad, however, went all out against the BJP and predicted strongly that the saffron party was not going to form a government at any cost. “After three phases of polls, the BJP has realised that their ground is cracking in Jharkhand. That is why they had entered into a coalition in the State. The BJP is not going to form a government and if at all, it happens it would be just by using huge money.”
The party also criticised frequent visits of the Prime Minister during the polls and even labeled him as a liar. “He speaks lie and spreads falsehood in his speeches all around. He is a master of it. He talks about poverty in Jharkhand and its adolescent age while it was the BJP who ruled the State the most. He talks about coal royalty and benefits the State would get out of it but where is the policy about thisIJ He went to Australia on the expenses of industrialists and signed agreements for them only,” said Hariprasad, adding that that a silent Prime Minister is better than a liar Prime Minister.
Also present on the occasion was PCC president Sukhdeo Bhagat who did not spell out how many seats his party would garner but said that Congress’ chances were strong.