Arjun Munda denies power-sharing pact between BJP and JMM

The political crisis in Jharkhand over the demand of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for change of the guard and transfer of power to the JMM on the basis of 28-month power-sharing pact between BJP and JMM has for the time being averted after chief minister Arjun Munda categorically denied that there had been any such pact made with the JMM. before the formation of the present coalition ministry.

The chief minister told media that he had sent point-wise reply to seven questions put up by JMM. The JMM had given an ultimatum to chief minister to step down by January 10.

However, the JMM said that it would take the final decision on its alliance with the BJP at the core committee meeting on January 10. Chief minister said during last two years of his tenure he did his best to expedite the development in the state in order to make the image of the state and in this matter he had succeeded to a great extent.

The chief minister blamed the Congress for creating political confusion in the state .He reminded that any political party or alliance needed the support of at least 42 legislators in the assembly of 81 members to form and run the government. The Congress had only 13 legislators in the assembly and its strength could not reach the magical figure of 42.