M A I N   N E W S

Munda BJP pick for Jharkhand

Ranchi, May 16
After getting a nod from the leadership to go ahead with government formation in Jharkhand, senior BJP leader Arjun Munda tonight met Chief Minister Shibu Soren, but it appears that a consensus is not evolved to end the three-week-old political crisis in the state. Munda, who was closeted with Soren and his son Hemant at the latter’s residence for about 50 minutes, drove away to his house without speaking to the media.

The Sorens, too, did not speak to the waiting media, indicating that there were some more “glitches” to settle among the allies before installing a new government.

Chief Minister, said at the airport here on his return from Delhi. Asked whether that meant the BJP had officially named him as the chief ministerial candidate, Munda said “A decision will be taken at a meeting of the legislative party, where central leaders will be present.” He said he would meet all allies, including Chief Minister Shibu Soren. BJP sources said the party had not announced Munda’s name for the CM’s post officially due to the death of former Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat yesterday.