M A I N   N E W S

Koda to be sworn in on Sunday

According to sources in the Raj Bhavan, Madhu Koda was expected to be sworn in as the fifth Chief Minister of Jharkhand on Sunday. None of the four earlier Chief Ministers, Babulal Marandi and Arjun Munda (twice), both from the BJP, and Shibu Soren of the JMM, could complete their full five-year terms. The state came into existence in 2000 following bifurcation of Bihar.

Sources in the UPA said although Koda had the support of 43 MLAs, reported differences between the JMM and the RJD in the run up to his selection as the Chief Minister could make his assignment to be a crown of thorns.