JMM defers move on support to Presidential pick

RANCHI: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which held a meeting of its MLAs and MPs on Saturday to decide on supporting the ruling NDA nominee Droupadi Murmu in the Presidential election on July 18, deferred its decision, even as a party legislator said chief minister Hemant Soren could meet union home minister Amit Shah before the party takes a final decision the issue.

The meeting was chaired by party president Shibu Soren and was attended by the party’s elected representatives and senior leaders.

JMM is among 17 opposition parties in the country which have nominated former Union minister Yashwant Singh as the Presidential candidae. However, the party, which claims to champion the tribal cause, is considering reviewing its decision in light of the fact that Murmu is a tribal and her election to the country’s top constitutional post is almost certain, given the numbers that are heavily stacked in favour of the NDA. Also, Murmu has a “family connection” with the Sorens.

“We have creation girevances. CM Soren would be going to Delhi and meet Amit Shah. A decision would be taken after that accordingly,” Nalin Soren, JMM legsilator and one of the seniormost leaders of the party, told reporters after the meeting. He, however, did not specify dates.

Adressing reporters after the meeting, JMM principal general secretary and spokesperson Supriyo Bhattacharya said the party would take a decision in the interest of the state and the country at an opportune time.

About Soren’s plan to meet Shah, he pleaded ignorance.