Sombre looking Hemant Soren on Friday in Delhi must have had some solace when after reaching Ranchi on Saturday a herd of JMM supporters greeted him with banners virtually declaring him the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. However, the euphoria was short-lived as he had loads of tasks at hand, including managing the desired number, meeting the conditions imposed by Congress and the hard bargaining that was in the offing with the Independents.
Hemant soon went into consultation with lalu Prasad and later some Independents who have hardened their position following the Congress condition of keeping the RJD out of the Cabinet. Sources in the JMM said the talks remained fruitful. "lalu Prasad has assured the support of his five MlAs to the JMM and there is no confusion over that. The party has called all the likeminded parties and MlAs for a dinner in the evening in which things are likely to be finalised," said a senior party legislator.
The 'dinner diplomacy', not new to Jharkhand, would see MlAs of Congress, RJD, JMM and Independents taking part. Nevertheless, taking forward his endeavour, Hemant also talked to Geeta Koda and Anosh Ekka for their support. It is learnt that a section of Independents are demanding ministerial berths in the Cabinet; which the Congress does not want.
Some respite for the JMM leader came from the RJD which is not pushing for Cabinet berths and may extend outside support to the coalition. "10:4 formula will come into consideration for 2014 lok Sabha polls. We are clear with our support at present. The party has not placed any condition and is open on remaining outside the government," said RJD legislative body leader in Jharkhand Annapurna Devi, adding that the party members would take part in the dinner called by Hemant.
Insiders also suggest that Hemant, besides keeping his folks together, is also banking on some 'extra efforts' to get the magic number in the Assembly in case he falls short.
There are dissatisfied members like Samresh Singh (JVM) and Baidyanath Ram (BJP). They are being tapped and can be agreed to remain absent from the House if the need arises. He is working on all the possible fronts," said a leader requesting anonymity. Notwithstanding the Congress' posturing on RJD, feeling inside the JMM is that the national party does not want to irk JD (U) and is rather trying to hold on to both lalu and Nitish Kumar.
"They are masters of politics. By not bringing lalu along, they will keep Nitish will retain and take a final call on both just before 2014 polls by assessing their formidability then. lalu is desperate to remain with the Congress considering corruption cases continuing against him," said a top JMM leader, confirming that the directive has come from the State Congress to work together for the numbers.
It has also been made clear by the JMM to the Congress that the later would have to participate in the Government at any cost. A Congress legislator also assured that his party would join the Cabinet.