The second visit of Jharkhand Congress in-charge BK Hariprasad in less than a fortnight cannot be without reason. The senior leader on the occasion of Hul Diwas, remembered for ulgulan or revolution against the British by Sido and Kanhu, met Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Chief Shibu Soren at Dumka late night and is said to have discussed alliance with the party, among other things.
As the meeting took place late Sunday, sources privy to the developments indicated said that the Congress has presented seat-sharing formula for the next lok Sabha before the JMM.
"This is the main issue for the Congress high command before they make up their mind on Government formation in Jharkhand in alliance with the JMM. Presently, the Congress has offered two-three lok Sabha seats to the JMM that can be raised to four," said a senior party leader.
The meeting is expected to evolve a framework that would be presented before senior Congress leaders, including coalition committee chairman AK Anthony and personal secretary of party president Sonia Gandhi, Ahmed Patel. "Things are turning out positive. BK Hariprasad stayed at Dumka just for the deliberations and sort out the issues. Chances are that if JMM agrees to the offer and the Congress high command also okays it, a new Government could be in place by July 10 or 12," said a Congress legislator.
JMM, on the other hand, is looking desperate for form the government and seems to have no objection in leaving substantial number of lok Sabha seats, out of the 14 in the State, for the Congress. "This should not pose a big problem for the party. last time, the JMM had left nine seats. Our priority is to do better in the Assembly polls," said a JMM legislator.
The ride, however, is not going to be as smooth as it seems. Following the Bihar episode when the Congress voted in the favour of lalu Prasad's arch rival Nitish Kumar during the trust vote, it is not easy for the former to guarantee five crucial votes of RJD in Jharkhand. This will also put JD-U in dilemma when it will come to vote openly in the favour of Congress in the State. The party has two seats in Jharkhand Assembly.
"It is difficult task as the JD-U has been a partner of the BJP with Arjun Munda as Chief Minister and also echoed the decision the Cabinet had taken to dissolve the Assembly. In that case the party may abstain from voting," said an insider of the Congress.
It may be mentioned here that Congress leadership is reportedly hesitant to take assistance from tainted Harinarayan Ray and Einos Ekka, the Independents considered as close partners in the massive Koda scam. Moreover, the RJD is looking to encash the urgency and bargain as much as possible.