Hemant Soren wins crucial trust vote

IANS/Ranchi

After winning the trust vote, Soren told reporters: “We will provide a transparent government and soon formulate a common minimum programme. I will not do anything under coalition compulsion to hurt the interest of the people,” he said, indicating a cabinet expansion soon.

The Soren-led Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government was formed on July 13 and was directed by Governor Syed Ahmad to prove his majority in the assembly within a week.

Consequently, a special assembly session was convened yesterday.

Soren needed the support of at least 42 legislators in the 82-member assembly. He had handed a letter of support of 43 legislators to the governor to form the government.

Legislator Nizamuddin Ansari of the opposition Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) did not attend the house. Speaker C P Singh, too, did not take part in the voting.

Pradeep Yadav, legislative party leader of the JVM-P, alleged that his party’s legislator, Ansari, was missing since Wednesday. During the debate on the motion, former chief minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Arjun Munda, slammed the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress alliance.

“This alliance has been formed for the benefit of the Congress. There is no hope that this government will do anything for the development of the state,” he said.

Sudesh Mahto of the All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) said that the fresh mandate was the only option in the given political scenario. “The formation of the present government is not a proper step. People should have been given a chance by seeking fresh mandate for the political stability in the state,” said Mahto.