BJP demands resignation, imposition of president's rule
BJP demands resignation, imposition of president's rule
Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren lost an assembly by-election yesterday that he needed to win to remain in power, prompting the state's opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to demand his resignation and fresh assembly polls.
Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) lost the Tamar constituency by-election by 9,062 votes to Raja Peter of the Jharkhand Party a constituent of the ruling coalition that had rebelled against the veteran politician.
When he became chief minister on August 27 last year, Soren was not a member of the legislative assembly and needed to be elected within six months.
"I accept the verdict of the people of Tamar. I will take any decision after meeting UPA (United Progressive Alliance) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) chief Lalu Prasad," Soren (64) said.
Fourth timeSoren, popularly known as Guruji among supporters, will have little option but to quit as chief minister fourth time he would be quitting as chief minister or central minister. He had to quit the central cabinet twice due to criminal cases against him.
Peter, who secured 34,186 votes, said, "It is victory of the people of Tamar. I have worked here for the last 10 years and my people have recognised my work."
The BJP demanded Soren's resignation and president's rule in the state.
BJP national spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said in New Delhi, "Not only Soren but (his allies) the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal are also defeated."
The assembly term expires in March next year.
