Accommodating Independents to be a challenge for JMM-Cong alln

The challenge to accommodate independents who have agreed to provide critical support stares the newly formed Congress-JMM alliance which is expected to stake claim to form the next government in Jharkhand in a day or two.
Confident after RJD chief Lalu's Prasad categorical assurance and letters of support from at least four independent MLAs, JMM's Chief Minister designate Hemant Soren left for Ranchi today.
Soren, who is tipped to be the Chief Minister in the new ruling dispensation in the tribal state, has already got letters of support from independent MLAs Harinarayan Rai, Bandhu Tirkey, Chamra Linda and Bidesh Singh, sources in JMM said.

Other two independent MLAs are Gita Koda, wife of former Chief Minister Madhu Koda who is in jail on graft charges, and Enos Ekka.
A section in Congress has been wary of forming a government in the state with the support of independents with a clear view that they should not be taken as ministers in the new government, a stand which the JMM also did not contradict earlier.
However, the challenge persists with independents now seeking share in the power, even as they vouch their support for the new government.

JMM has 18 members, Congress 13 and RJD 05 MLAs in the 81-member Jharkhand assembly. With their number coming to 36 together they need the support of five more MLAs to form a government with simple majority in the state.

Talking to PTI, Tirkey said that while he welcomes the formation of government headed by Soren and has already given letter of support to him, "independents should also get representation in the ministry."
"We have always supported formation of a government in state. I and three independent MLAs also gave letters of support to Soren. Though I am not the leader of the Independents, I am suggesting Soren should also talk to other independent MLAS Gita Koda and Enos Ekka.
"Independents are in favour of government formation but their honour should also be kept in mind. Only then a stable government can be in place," Tirkey said.

Tirkey is stated to be close to RJD chief Lalu Prasad and he could possibly play a role in settling these issues.